Father Vondras served at St. Ann’s Church in Nyack, St. Aedan’s Church in Pearl River, St. Joseph’s Church, in Bronxville, and St. Patrick’s and St. Francis of Assisi, both in Newburgh
The Reverend John J. Vondras, Pastor Emeritus of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Newburgh entered eternal life on April 12, 2025.
He was born August 29, 1936, in Newburgh and was the son of the late Mary M. Farina and James J. Vondras. Father John was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 1975 and served as an Associate Director of the Diaconate. He then entered the Priesthood in 1985. He held degrees in both Business and Sociology and received his Master of Divinity degree at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie.
Father Vondras served at St. Ann’s Church in Nyack, St. Aedan’s Church in Pearl River, St. Joseph’s Church, in Bronxville, and St. Patrick’s and St. Francis of Assisi, both in Newburgh.
In addition to his parish assignments, he was Associate Director of the Archdiocesan Permanent Diaconate, and Associate Director of the Archdiocesan Family of Life Office. Father John formed the Catholic Coalition for Life, and served as Chaplain of the Piermont Knights of Columbus, and the Rockland County Knights of Columbus Association. He was a Fourth Degree Knight and a Past Grand Knight of the Monsignor Henry O’Carrol Council Knights of Columbus. Father Vondras was honored by both the Senate and Assembly for his community work in Rockland County. Before his ordination to the Priesthood, he was a public service director for Garnett Newspapers and a marketing director for M&T Bank.
He was predeceased by his sisters Ruth Durantine and Marie Thelle and brothers James Vondras and George Vondras. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
RECEPTION OF THE BODY AND WAKE • LYING IN REPOSE
Monday, April 21, 2025 • 3-7 p.m.
Brooks Funeral Home
431 Gidney Avenue • Newburgh, NY 12550
845-561-8300
Monday, April 21, 2025 • 3-7 p.m.
Brooks Funeral Home
431 Gidney Avenue • Newburgh, NY 12550
845-561-8300
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 • 10 a.m.
Church of St. Patrick
5 Grand Street • Newburgh, NY 12550
845-561-0885
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 • 10 a.m.
Church of St. Patrick
5 Grand Street • Newburgh, NY 12550
845-561-0885
Most Reverend Gerardo J. Colacicco, principal celebrant
Reverend Father Thomas Dicks, homilist
INTERMENT
Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor
+REQUIESCAT IN PACE+
01:11
Crowds gathered quickly outside America’s Parish Church, and The Good Newsroom was able to get reactions from Catholics and non-Catholics alike on this momentous day.
By:
Patrick Grady
| 05/08/2025
Es el primer norteamericano elegido Papa y, antes del cónclave, era el cardenal estadounidense más mencionado como posible sucesor de San Pedro.
By:
Our Sunday Visitor
| 05/08/2025
He is the first North American to be elected pope and, before the conclave, was the U.S. cardinal most mentioned as a potential successor of St. Peter.