Sean D. Tonkinson

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son, father, brother, uncle and friend, Sean Derek Tonkinson, 46 of Reading, PA on July 1, 2025.

Sean was born on August 26, 1978 in Philadelphia, PA to Roderick Tonkinson and Kathleen Yoder (Woods). As a young boy, Sean stood out for his beautiful curly black hair and his love for his siblings, especially his sister whom he protected and had a close bond with that lasted his lifetime. Sean was a 1996 graduate of Exeter Township Senior High School. After graduation Sean joined the military and proudly served our country in the United States Army. Sean had a great love for our country and was a dedicated republican and patriot until the end, even attending Trump rallies as he proudly showed his support. After the military, Sean went on to attend Automotive Training Center to learn the automotive trade. In the early years, Sean focused on his deep love for cars while working as a mechanic. He found passion in Hondas and would spend his spare time building and fixing them with his friends. He grew a close, loving network of “brothers” over the years due to his love of the Honda, especially his baby, “The Rat Rod”. Sean was affectionately nicknamed “Snow” by his brothers – a name with a backstory that changes depending on who you ask. No matter the version, one thing was certain: the nickname held deep meaning for Sean and was a symbol of the bond he shared with his brothers. After leaving the automotive workforce, Sean was trained as a contractor, learning almost all aspects of commercial and residential construction. He could repair or build just about anything, but his true calling and specialty was carpentry and finishing work. He was beyond talented and skilled, and it showed in the beautiful work he completed. In 2020, Sean founded his own business, Average Joe Construction, yet he remained a loyal and hard-working presence for several contractors who depended on him – not just as a skilled professional, but as a trusted friend they could always count on.

Sean loved deeply, and when he loved you, it was for life. Family was the center of everything he did – his love for his children, parents, and siblings knew no limits. He carried a quiet ache for the things he could not have, but his heart never stopped holding space for them.

Sean was the kind of person you only meet once in a lifetime – the first to show up when someone needed a hand and the last to leave until he knew everything was okay. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or a stranger on the street, Sean treated everyone with the same genuine care and open-heartedness. His presence made you feel seen, heard, and valued. Sean had a deep love for life’s simple pleasures: a funny joke and some laughs, a Wawa coffee in the morning, a shared meal with friends and family, a long ride on his motorcycle and cuddles with his furry pets, especially his beloved Hammie the hamster.

Sean left us far too soon, but not before leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and a deep desire to help others. Knowing Sean was a reminder that true goodness still exists. He was not flashy or loud, he was a quiet hero – humble, loyal, and always there when someone needed him. His acts of kindness may not have made the news, but they made a real difference in people’s lives every day and they will never be forgotten.

Sean is survived by his mother Kathleen Yoder (Woods) of Reunion, FL, father Roderick Tonkinson of Philadelphia, PA, daughter Hannah Tonkinson of Douglassville, PA, son Isaac Tonkinson of Morgantown, PA, sisters Jocelyn Gierlich (Tonkinson) of Reading, PA and Ceara Tonkinson of Wernersville, PA, and brother Brandon Tonkinson of Reading, PA. He is also survived by his nieces Taylor Burdine and Hayden Gierlich of Reading, PA, and his nephews Noah Tonkinson of Reading, PA and Owen Tonkinson of Wernersville, PA, as well as many friends and other close loved ones.

Sean is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Frank and Dorothy Calabrese.

In lieu of flowers, please help others with depression or other mental illness by donating to The Greater Reading Mental Health Alliance or The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Sean’s honor.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory 6 Fairlane Road Reading, PA 19606 on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Celebration of life Service to follow at 7:00pm. Come as you are - casual dress is preferred. It is exactly how Sean would have wanted it. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.