Kevin James Tumia

Kevin James Tumia

April 30, 1963 – July 27, 2025

The Man, The Myth, The Legend. Kevin was born April 30th, 1963, in Flushings Queens, New York, to Joseph and Gail Tumia. Kevin lived most of his childhood in North Tonawanda, New York, where he had many adventures which included fishing on the Niagara River. While in high school he attended BOCES Trade School for Tool and Die Making. After high school Kevin followed his older brother, Danny, and moved to Los Angeles, California. While in L.A. Kevin started his career as a Tool and Die Maker at a small shop, and later with Hughes Aircraft Company from 1983-1990. Kevin was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was subsequently baptized as a member on October 17, 1987. In 1990, Kevin moved to Utah and started work for Parker Hannifin. While with Parker Hannifin, Kevin began a small business out of his garage, Newport Tool. In 1993, Kevin became a full-time small business owner and grew from his garage into his first stand-alone shop in West Bountiful. Kevin dedicated his time and hard work to the point he hired his first employees, and in 2003 moved his business into a bigger shop located in North Salt Lake. In 2013, Kevin achieved his aspirations of designing and building his own dream shop. As Kevin continued to grow his business he taught and mentored several young men. Additionally, Kevin had the honor to support young missionaries in fulfilling their missions and future goals, several which have remained dear friends. Through Kevin’s business, love of life, unique personality, sense of humor, and quick wit he has gained many friends and acquaintances. Kevin enjoyed having lunch meetings, long meaningful conversations, and shooting at the range with friends.

In January of 2010, Kevin met the love of his life, Marjorie Winkelkotter. Many of their dates included watching Kevin’s favorite movie, Beauty and the Beast. He was her Beast, and she was his Belle. Kevin and Marjorie had many years of built memories and enjoyed time with each other. On January 24, 2019, they finally tied the knot and were married and sealed in the Logan, Utah temple. They subsequently made Kaysville, Utah their home and bought the house of their dreams. Kevin gained wonderful in-laws, Wayne and Diana Winkelkotter, whom he affectionately called “Pops” and “Grammy”, respectively. Kevin also gained 5 children and 8 grandchildren who fondly called him “Grandpa Z”. Kevin’s grandkids described Grandpa Z as kind, extremely funny, and generous. Additionally, they have many fond memories of Grandpa Z as he took them to Lagoon, Disneyland, Boondocks, the Aquarium, and the Zoo. Grandpa Z affectionately called some of his grandkids “The 3 Little Indians” and “P.” Grandpa Z enjoyed playing dolls with his grandkids, watching them play in his pool, telling stories and making them laugh even if it meant getting shocked by the dog caller. Some of his family’s favorite quotes are “blah-blah-blah”, “Boom Boom Wicky Wicky”, “T-U-M-I-A, I’m Italian, don’t mess with me”, “Are you married or are you happy?”, “The Man, The Myth, The Legend”, and “MMMMAAARRRRJJJJOOOORRRIIIEEEE!!!”. Kevin was also known for his impersonations of the Three Stooges, Austin Powers, Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, and Marjorie’s favorites Marvin Martian and Pepe Le Pew. Additionally, Kevin shared his love of fireworks with his family, friends, and inadvertently his entire neighborhood.

In 2021, Kevin and his family’s lives drastically changed when he contracted Covid-19. Kevin fought tirelessly for the remainder of his life and will be forever missed by all those who knew him. Kevin is survived by his eternal companion Marjorie; their kids Jared, Jessica (Jason), Kaylee (J.T.), Sabrina (Dallin) and Creighton; their grandkids Alexis, Alyssa, Desstani, Lacey, Paisley, Maizie, Allen, and JJ; his fur babies Max, Bella, Millie Bug and Archie; his siblings Danny (Carol), Debbie (Jim) and Cheryl; his Aunt Karen and Grammy.

Preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Gail; his uncle Tom; Cousin Tommy; and Pops.

Please join his family in honoring Kevin. A viewing will be held at Russon Mortuary in Farmington, Utah on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. A small, intimate graveside service will be held afterwards. Kevin was adamant his family held a “celebration of life”, which will take place at his shop on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.