Martin T. Ondrovic

Martin T. Ondrovic, 92, formerly of Emmaus, died peacefully June 25, 2025 in his residence. He was the husband of Dolly L. (Stellato) Ondrovic. Born in Emmaus, he was the son of the late Martin A. and Mary C. (Janiga) Ondrovic. Marty was a 1951 graduate of Emmaus High School. He honorably served his country in the Army during Korea. Marty started working as a milkman for Lehigh Valley Dairy and later worked as a vendor for Coca Cola for 33 years. He also worked for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in charge of the AAA Umpire Room and was also responsible for preparing game baseballs for 14 years. He was a life member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, Emmaus. Marty was a life member of the Mercantile Club of Emmaus, Citizens Fire Company #2, Emmaus, and the Macungie VFW. Marty was a Legionnaire for 61 years, member of the Emmaus Veterans Committee, and coordinator of the Emmaus Memorial Day parade for over 10 years. His high school accomplishments include: football, 4-year letterman, captain, awarded most valuable player his senior year and voted 3 consecutive years to leagues first team, all-star team as a guard; baseball, 4-year letterman as catcher; track, 4-year letterman in 100-yard dash, shot put, and mile relay. He was also an accomplished umpire. His umpire experience includes: professional, Florida State League 1969; USA Summer Festival held at North Carolina State 1987, college, division 1, 2, and 3; semi-professional Northeastern League 2000 – 2003; Eastern League game at Altoona against Trenton; 2 American Legion World Series, Manchester, NH and Boyertown; American Legion – Mid-Atlantic Championships for 10 consecutive years; State American Legion Championships; PA High School Championships; High School and American Legion; Johnstown AAA Tournaments; York Tournaments. Marty was also a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations Rules Committee for 2 – 4-year terms 1985-1988 and 2012 – 2015. He is currently, as needed, an advisor to NFHS Baseball Rules Book Editor. He was a PIAA Statewide Baseball Rules Interpreter and also District XI Umpire Consultant for 35 years. Other activities include: High School Football Official for 43 years; Stroudsburg/East Stroudsburg Thanksgiving Day Game for 30 consecutive years; High School Basketball Official for 37 years; High School Baseball League Assignor for 10 years; American Legion, Blue Mountain, Tri-County League Assignor for 10 years. His awards include: PIAA Highest Prestigious Award – Award of Merit in 2015; PIAA Distinguished Service Award for Improvement of Officials Program 2011; Northampton County American Legion Award for Outstanding Umpire of the Years Award in 2001; Blue Mountain Hall of Fame Award; Referee Magazine – personal article as umpire for 54 years, October Issue, 2015; District 11 Baseball Chapter Awards – Allentown, Anthracite and Hazleton Chapters; American Legion Hall of Fame; and Lehigh Valley Football Hall of Fame. Marty is survived by his wife of 22 years, Dolly; son, Michael Ondrovic and wife Maryjo; daughters, Chrisanne Ondrovic and Barbara wife of Dale Eisenhauer; Dolly's children, James, Edward, and Ellen; 5 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter; 3 step grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren. He was predeceased by brother, Thomas M. Ondrovic, half-brother, Arthur Hensinger, and a grandson, Kyle Rohrbach. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tue., July 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM in St. Ann's Catholic Church, 415 S. 6th St., Emmaus. Viewing 9:30 to 11:00 AM in the church. Interment with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Emmaus Veterans Committee, P.LO. Box 161, Emmaus, PA 18049 or Lehigh Valley Hospice, 2024 Lehigh Street, Suite 100, Allentown, PA 18103.