 Tonkovich died at age 55; his body was discovered aon February 10, 2002 at his Benwood area home by his son.Tonkovich's death was announced on the Senate floor and senators observed a moment of silence.Tonkovich was the father of three children, daughters Stacy Tonkovich-Russell, Kaitlynn M. Tonkovich, and son Brandon D. Tonkovich of Wheeling.