IVAN TONCIC

Ivan was inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 where the following was recorded: “Ivan was a triple threat with the Midland Leopard football team – running, passing, and kicking his way to All County, All WPIAL, and All State honorable mention awards his senior season of 1956. He concluded his scholastic career by being named MVP in the Beaver County All Star Game and also was picked to play in the Pittsburgh Area All Star game. At the University of Pittsburgh, Ivan was a three year starter as a multidimensional threat, quarterbacking, playing defensive back, punting, and kicking for the Panthers. His spirited play earned him third team All American honors as a senior and an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine All Star Game. In 1960 he was named Most Outstanding Athlete in Pittsburgh by the Dapper Dan Banquet. Although drafted by both the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills in the newly formed American Football League, Ivan signed with Hamilton of the Canadian Football League, where he played defensive back and backup quarterback. Ivan suffered a broken arm his first year in Canada and the following season signed with the Boston Patriots of the AFL as a safety but ended his year with a major knee injury, which caused him to lose much of his speed. Ivan then went to Wheeling of the United Football League, where he played for three years, earning MVP honors his second season. In the third year, player-coach Ivan again suffered a knee injury, this one ending his playing days. Ivan stayed with Wheeling for several years, helping to start flag football and hockey leagues.”

Ivan was also inducted into the Midland Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Minor Pro Football Hall of Fame at the Senator John Heinz History Center and Sports Museum in Pittsburgh.

In his early years, Ivan resided in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he raised three children before moving to spend his later years in Ocean City, Maryland, and then Alpharetta, Ga. Despite his many residences, he always considered Midland his home.

Besides his parents, Ivan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly; his son, Terry and daughter-in-law, Angie; and his loving sister, Luby (Tom) Wuchina.

Ivan leaves behind his son and best friend, Ivan Jr. (Rachel) of Johns Creek, Ga.; his wonderful daughter, Tamara (Mannie) Benton of Fredericksburg, Md.; two grandchildren, Tina and Timmy Toncic; two step-grandchildren, Collin Sullivan and Claire Gladin; sister-in-law, Susan (Ed) Bruce of Ford’s City; and his big brother, biggest fan and substitute dad, Andrew Toncic of Midland, who played a large role in his life. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends.

At Ivan’s request, there will be no visitation and burial will be private.

Local arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home.