Dan R. Tonkovich

Who was Dan R. Tonkovich?

Dan R. Tonkovich was an American politician who served as the Democratic President of the West Virginia Senate from Marshall County and served from 1985 to 1989.

Dan R. Tonkovich was the son of Clara Tonkovich of Benwood, West Virginia, and Daniel Tonkovich. Dan R. Tonkovich was a graduate of Bishop Donahue Memorial High School in McMechen. He received a B.A. degree from West Liberty State College and a M.P.A. degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University and served in the United States Army Infantry in Vietnam.

Tonkovich was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1972 and 1974 and was elected to the West Virginia Senate from the 2nd Senatorial District in 1979. He was reelected to the Senate in 1980 and 1984. Tonkovich was appointed Senate Majority Whip in 1981 and Senate Majority Leader in 1983. Tonkovich was elected the 45th President of the West Virginia Senate, the first senator from Marshall County elected to the office and was named one of the "Outstanding Young Men of America" in 1974, 1976 and 1977.