Thomas J. Ondriska

Rotterdam-Thomas John Ondriska of Rotterdam, passed away on September 1st, 2026, at Albany Medical Center following a long illness.

He was born in Gloversville on April 10, 1941 to Konstantin and Johanna (Kollar) Ondriska, and grew up in Johnstown.

Thomas graduated from Johnstown High School in 1959. While there, he was co-captain for his high school football team. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Shirley Hall, they went on to share 61 beautiful years together. He built a career as a licensed plumber, starting out in his father's business and Hart plumbing. Thomas went on to join the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 105, and worked for Burch Plumbing, Knolls Atomic Plant, the Electric Boat at Kesselring Site, and finally Union College, from which he retired.

Thomas was the dad that could fix anything. He took the time to teach his daughters how to be truly self-sufficient.

He enjoyed family time, camping, fishing and was an avid car enthusiast. Thomas really loved swimming in the backyard pool; and was always welcoming to his daughters' many friends. He cherished the yearly family trip to Wildwood Crest in New Jersey. Thomas was an international ham operator and loved the CB radio. Shirley and Tom enjoyed bowling, playing cards and pool together. They loved boating on the Mohawk River and other local waterways with their large boat. Together they cherished a surprise anniversary trip to Hawaii.

One of Thomas' greatest joys was being grandpa to Jimmy and Laura; who will always cherish those childhood memories with grandpa and grandma.

In addition to his parents and wife, Thomas was predeceased by his in-laws; Danilla (Hinkle) Hall and Herman Hall; as well as his sister-in-law, Sharon Ondriska.

Thomas is survived by his adored daughters; Julie Ondriska and Lori Ondriska (Alan Hogan); as well as his siblings, of whom he always supportive; Edward Ondriska and William Ondriska (Nancy Coon). Thomas was loving Grandpa to Laura (Bogardus) Ellis (Dennis Ellis), and to James Bogardus Jr. (Rebecca Jereza). Thomas found great joy in being Great Grandfather to Jackson Ellis, the new baby in the family. He is additionally survived by his niece, Maren Ondriska; and his siblings-in-law Judy (Hall) and Vincent Budinas.

Thomas requested no services be held. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Thomas' name may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in honor of his love for animals; always having a pet in the house.