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Joseph Anthony Ondus

1959 - 2013

Joseph Ondus Obituary

Joseph Anthony Ondus, 53 years of age, and a resident of Quincy, Massachusetts, and formerly of Amherst passed away Monday, March 18, 2013 at the Cleveland Clinic following a sudden illness.
He was born May 16, 1959 in Longmont, Colorado. Joseph was raised in Amherst, graduating from Marion L. Steele High School in the class of 1977. He had lived in Detroit, Chicago, Canton, Cleveland, and New York before moving to Boston where he had made his home for more than 20 years.
Joseph continued his education receiving his BA in Communications at Borromeo Seminary in Euclid, Ohio. Joseph made himself available for the Lord's work with the Jesuit order. He furthered his education at Loyala University of Chicago receiving his BA in Philosophy, and New York University receiving his Masters in Educational Theater and Harvard University where he received his Masters of Divinity. Joseph was currently on the faculty of Syracuse University as an Adjunt. Professor. He worked as a high school teacher administering classes in Religion, Foreign Language, English and Speech for St. Ignatius High School and Walsh Jesuit High School in Canton. As well as Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, MA where he served as the campus minister. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Quincy, MA. Joseph was very active with charity work throughout the communities that he had lived and has a servant's heart, working at Christmas in the city for homeless children in Massachusetts, and the Convenant House for run away in New York. He was known to many for his great sense of humor and humanitarian works. His hobbies included cooking, theater and art. Joseph was very musical and played five instruments including the piano and was active with the community theater.
Survivors include his mother Nancy Ondus (nee: Knappage) of Amherst; his sisters and their husbands Ann V. and James Lisi of Avon Lake, Emily A. and Christopher Ambrosio of Avon; brothers Gregory Michael Ondus of Vermilion, Matthew A. Ondus and his wife Laurie of Rock Hill, SC, Peter A. Ondus and Philip Edward Ondus both of Amherst; 16 nieces and nephews; and three great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Albert Ondus on March 14, 1997, as well as sister Jennifer Ondus in 1959.
Services were held privately by his family.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Archbishop Williams High School; c/o Joseph A. Ondus Scholarship Fund; 40 Independence Avenue, Braintree, MA 02184-0218.
Hempel Funeral Home of Amherst is honored to serve the family of Joseph Ondus.
Additional information and online register book are available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com.
Question, please call Hempel Funeral Home at (440) 988-4451.

Published by The Morning Journal from Mar. 24 to Mar. 25, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Ondus

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I was in Mr. Ondus' homeroom/theology class my sophmore year at AWHS - he was a good teacher and well liked! I'm sorry to his family and friends for your loss, I am thinking of you.
-Meg, Class of '97

Meg Caveney

April 10, 2013

I'm so sorry to Joe's friends and family for this loss. We went to school together, and I remember him fondly. Peace and comfort to Joe, and all who cared about him.

Teresa Tarnowski Goodell

April 6, 2013

I was shocked and saddened today learning of the passing of my high school friend, Joe. We sang our hearts out in Concert Choir and now he can sing sitting next to our Lord. Joe, you always made me laugh and I hope in some small way I did the same for you. May you be blessed with eternal peace and forever be wrapped in God's arms. Goodbye my friend.

Gregg Lazoff

March 26, 2013

May you draw close to God in prayer and find comfort in reading his Word.

March 26, 2013

It is difficult to express the great void losing Joe in the AWHS community has created. Our hearts are heavy. His unique spirit cannot be replaced.

And so, I cannot begin to imagine how great a loss the leaving of Joe from this earth so soon must be for his family. My prayers are with them that their memories of happier days with Joe may help them through this difficult time.

Joe, you must have been needed in heaven. We miss you.

Marie Fraher

March 26, 2013

Mr. Ondus was an amazing teacher and will be truly missed!

Cassie Villa
AWHS '07

Cassie Villa

March 25, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find peace and solace in the continuation of your journies.

Valloyd Bruce

March 25, 2013

Mr. Ondus was one of my favorite teachers while I attended Archies. What an amazing man and teacher.

Kristen (AWHS '01)

Kristen Zemeitus

March 25, 2013

Mr Ondus was such a wonderful teacher and a kind and loving man. He had such a positive influence on our 3 children at Archbishop Williams high school. He will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all his friends
Bill, Jeannie, Katie, Billy and Kerry Hanlon

Bill and Jeannie Hanlon

March 25, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Hempel Funeral Home

March 25, 2013

My prayers and love are with you all. I am so sad to hear about Joe's passing, and will always remember his joy. He was always laughing and smiling every moment I saw him.

Scott Nossek

March 25, 2013

Sorry we miss being there. We loved you and you were a fine Man that everyone was proud of. You will be miss a lot love Uncle Skip and Aunt Maire

Hary & Maie Knappage

March 25, 2013

Dear Nancy and family,

May the love of Jesus and his promise of eternal life provide comfort. I did not know Joseph but remember your husband's joy at his birth. Thinking of you and your's. Love you, Nancy Olexa Thompson

[email protected] Olexa-Thompson

March 25, 2013

To the family of Mr. Ondus,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I was so blessed to have Mr. Ondus as a teacher at AWHS. It was not just his words, but also his example that had the greatest impact on my life -- particularly his dedication to religion and the arts. Requiescat in pace, Amen.

Mary (AWHS, '00)

Mary C.

March 24, 2013

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