Myron Stephen Tongue, Sr

Myron "Mike" Stephen Tongue, Sr 71, of Central Square, passed away on Tuesday at Upstate University Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Myron was born in Tioga, PA on July 2, 1949 son of the late Boyce and Evalena Tongue. Mike was a graduate of Williamson Sr High School in Tioga where as a youth he played the trumpet in his high school band, was class president and Prom King. He attended RIT where he was on the Dean's List. He also was an avid baseball player and later on enjoyed coaching his son's team and other young hopeful basketball stars. Mike also served in the US Army Reserves as a sharpshooter and Company Clerk. While serving, Mike went on to obtain his degree in business management. In Mike's early working years he was instrumental in managing, setting up and training the employees of new Nichols and Ames department store franchises in which he helped to create and implement new techniques in consumer buying, placing a "no-pressure concept" in which is still popular today. Mike also worked for many years in commercial sales including steel manufacturing and lawncare. He was very passionate about his lawn, taking meticulous care to be sure it was the greenest lawn in the neighborhood! Mike was a lifetime member of 50 years of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge working his way through the chairs to become the highest ranking officer of the Exalted Ruler, a role he took great pride in achieving in which he was instrumental in elevating Elks high standards, locally and across the state. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and volunteered everywhere he was needed. Mike loved fishing and boating on Oneida lake and having a good cigar while doing so. He loved to play golf and spent many years playing in weekly leagues and in many charity tournaments. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and his grandchildren. His quick wit and infectious humor won him instant affection from all he met, especially the wonderful Medical Professional staff who cared for him during his health struggles over the years. The family wishes to thank Upstate University Hospital, especially the ICU and supporting staff for their constant dedication to his care. Mike was generous to a fault and always sought to see the best in everyone. Mike will forever be in our hearts.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, JoAnn (Piersall) Tongue, son, Myron (Danielle) Tongue, Jr., daughters, Kim Tretowicz and Felicia (William) Squairs, 6 grandchildren, Alyssa, Celia, Brock, Adam, Cameron, Evalena, step-sons, Sonny Ellis and Shawn (Jessica) Ellis, step-grandchildren, Amber and Jaden, step-great grandchildren, Lawson and Allison, and a special cousin Arthur "Butch" Sherman (Debbie), who was like a brother to him. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Larry (Janice) Piersall, Sisters-in-law, Cynthia (Aaron deceased) Newman, and Suzanne Clark and friend Herbert Landon along with many other loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday April 27th at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 705 N. Main St., N. Syracuse, from 3pm-6pm, with services at 6pm. Burial will take place in Tioga, PA on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike's memory to The American Cancer Society, The Veterans of Foreign War or The Royal Order of the Elks.

To leave a message of condolence for Myron's family, or to share a special memory of Myron, visit the guestbook below.

Gathering size within our chapels will be based on the most current NYS occupancy requirements. Masks are required and social distancing is to be observed inside and outside of our chapels.