William F. Ondrick

Professor William F. Ondrick, 72, of Ridgefield, husband of Shirley (Nelson) Ondrick, died on Sunday, (November 17, 2002) at his home. He was born in New Britain, May 5, 1930, a son of the late Michael J. and Elizabeth (Walsh) Ondrick, attended New Britain schools, graduated from New Britain High School, Class of 1948, where he was the Student Director of Music. Upon graduation from New Britain High School, he then attended and graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Music. He was a Founding Member of the University's chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. In 1954, while serving in the U.S. Army, Professor Ondrick was Music Director of the U.S. Army television program, "Soldier Parade" and then toured Europe with the 7th Army Symphony Orchestra. In 1957, Professor Ondrick joined the faculty of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, where he established the Department of Music, including a Glee Club, Concert Band and a Jazz Ensemble. The Board of Trustees awarded Professor Ondrick in 1974 with an Honorary Master of Engineering Degree. In 1989, the Stevens Alumni Association with the Outstanding Teacher Award honored him. On the 40th Anniversary of his career at Stevens, the Board of Trustees presented him with the prestigious Renaissance Engineering and Science Award and his former students established the William F. Ondrick Scholarship Fund. Professor Ondrick retired in 1998. He was loved by all, not only as a husband and father, but also as a friend and mentor to his many students during his 41 years at Stevens. In addition to his wife, a son, David Ondrick of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY; a daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Scott Gattey of Newtown; three grandchildren, Clayton, Shane and Nevan Gattey; a brother and sister in-law, George and Faith Ondrick of Kensington; and several nieces and nephews survive him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, 10:30 a.m., in St. Mary's Church, Ridgefield, with the Rev. Robert P. Morrissey, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Britain. Friends will be received in the Kane Funeral Home, 41 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, TODAY, 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the William F. Ondrick Scholarship Fund, Stevens Institute of Technology, Castle Point, Hoboken, NJ 07030 would be greatly appreciated.