Thomas S. Onderko

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas S. Onderko, 64, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at RWJ Medical Center in Somerville, NJ. Born on August 26, 1960, in Somerville, NJ, Thomas was the cherished son of the late Thomas J. and Rosemary Onderko. He grew up in Manville, NJ, before settling in Hillsborough, NJ, in 1992, where he built a life defined by love, faith, and unwavering service to his community. Thomas dedicated 44 years of his career as a respected Stationary Engineer at Johnson & Johnson, Raritan, NJ, where his work ethic and commitment to excellence earned admiration from colleagues and friends alike. A man of deep faith, Thomas was a devoted parishioner of Mary Mother of God Catholic Church in Hillsborough, NJ, where his faith was a cornerstone of his life. In 1980, Thomas began his lifelong service to others by joining the Manville Fire Department Company #1. Over his remarkable 45 years with the department, he served with distinction in leadership roles, including Captain, Lieutenant, and President. At the time of his passing, he was Vice President of Fire Company #1 and 1st Vice President of the Manville Exempts Firemen’s Association. As a Life Member Delegate of the NJ State Relief Firemen’s Association, Thomas represented his department with honor and pride, embodying the values of dedication, courage, and community service. Above all, Thomas was a family man whose love and devotion were the heart of his life. He was the beloved husband of Christine (Zelesnick) Onderko, with whom he shared 32 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter, raising two wonderful children: Michael J. Onderko of Hillsborough, NJ, and Natalie A. Onderko of Philadelphia, PA. Thomas is also survived by his brother, James M. Onderko, and his wife, Jean, of Flemington, NJ, as well as his nephew, Joshua Duffy, of Somerset, NJ. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Janice Onderko, in 2018. In his spare time, Thomas enjoyed traveling and exploring his Hungarian heritage. Those who knew Thomas can attest that he had an extraordinary ability to bring people together. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing one of his many stories, or simply checking in to brighten someone’s day, he made everyone around him feel valued and loved. His family was his greatest pride, and his legacy of love will live on in their hearts forever. May he rest in eternal peace, knowing he was deeply loved and will never be forgotten. A wake will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 4 pm to 8 pm at Ketusky Funeral Home, 1310 Brooks Blvd., Manville, NJ 08835. Funeral services will begin at 8:30 am on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Ketusky Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of the funeral liturgy at 10 am at Mary Mother of God Church in Hillsborough, NJ. Interment will follow at St. Magdalen Cemetery, Flemington.

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Thomas S. Onderko

August 26, 1960 - January 23, 2025