Robert G. Ondick, 80, Ohio Edison Retiree
Robert G. Ondick, of Avon, died Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at his home after a long illness. He was born January 22, 1923 in Lorain and had resided in Avon since 1961 moving from Lorain.
Mr. Ondick was a graduate of St. Mary High School in Lorain where he lettered in basketball and was the Most-Valuable-Player for three straight years. After high school he was drafted by the Cleveland Barons professional hockey team and then was drafted into the US Army. He served with the US Army Air Corps during World War II as a propeller mechanic stationed in England.
Mr. Ondick worked at Ohio Edison as an instrument test person and foreman retiring after 35 years. He then worked at the Avon Post Office in maintenance before retiring. He had also worked as US Steel and National Cash Register. He tended bar at the American Slovak Club in Lorain and the French Creek Tavern in Avon.
He was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Avon where he served as an usher. He was a life member of AMVETS Post #47 and the American Slovak Club and a past member of Moose Lodge 552, all of Lorain.
He enjoyed gardening, bowling and softball, and participated in many leagues in the Lorain area.
He is survived by his wife Carole Ondick, of Avon; son George Ondick of Columbus; daughters: Nancy McPherson of Avon, Julie Smolka of North Ridgeville, Mary Jo Shannon of Avon Lake, Roberta Schiller and Virginia Gunther, both of Avon; son John Ondick of North Ridgeville; daughters: Roseann Park of Hinckley, Ohio, Laura Dobney of Avon and Elaine Gregory of Avon Lake; stepchildren: John R. McDougal of Lorain, Peggy McDougal of Lorain, Suzanne Knight of Cleveland and Jamie Parsons of Lorain; 23 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his first wife Lucy Ann Ondick (nee Pillari); daughter Sara Jane McMullen son Francis Ondick; parents George and Julia Ondick (nee Denka) and sister Georgene Rulli.
The family will receive friends Friday 3-8 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:00 am in the funeral chapel followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2640 Stoney Ridge Road, Avon with the Rev. Tom Cleaton, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain where the AMVETS Post#47 of Lorain will conduct full military honors.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, Memorial Gifts, 300 E. 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119.