Jan Joseph Ondrako

West Winfield – Jan “Johnny” Joseph Ondrako, 85, of West Winfield, NY, died on March 10, 2025 surrounded by love.

Jan was the oldest son of Mildred and John Ondrako. As a young man, he traveled across the country on Route 66 and learned many jobs including short-order cook and delivery jobs. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960 and served our country as base security in Puerto Rico and Vietnam. He married Barbara Mergenthaler on July 12, 1965. They had 6 children together and raised their family in the West Winfield area. Jan worked as a mechanic for many years before attending NYS Corrections Academy, becoming a Corrections Officer and spending 23 years as a C.O. before he retired. He had a love for NASCAR, the Pittsburgh Steelers, dancing and puzzles of all kinds.

Jan was predeceased by his son Scott, his wife Barbara, his sisters Judy and Chris and recently, his brother, James.

He leaves behind five children, Shane and his wife, Chris, Tina, Tari and her husband, Tom, Steven, and Tricia and her husband, Kevin; 13 grandchildren who brought him great joy and pride, Jesse, Joseph, Tyler, Jasmine, Jordan, Hank, Kaden, Eden, Jayden, Miles, Ripley, Alfred, and Scarlett; 1 great-granddaughter, Lucy May, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3 pm on Friday, March 28, 2025 in the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion, with Deacon Wally Plock, officiating. Calling hours will take place from 1 pm until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd. New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Sincere thanks to the Emergency Department and 8th-floor staff at Wynn Hospital, Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford, Jessie Smile’s Companion Care, Nunn’s Medical Equipment, and Meals on Wheels of Herkimer County.

To leave condolences for Jan’s family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com