Reverend John J. Vondras

August 29, 1936 ~ April 12, 2025

Newburgh, NY

The Rev. John J. Vondras, Pastor Emeritus of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Newburgh, N.Y. entered into rest on April 12, 2025. He was born August 29, 1936 in Newburgh, NY 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.

He served at St. Ann's Church, Nyack; St. Aedan's Church, Pearl River; St. Joseph's Church, Bronxville; St. Patrick's, Newburgh and St. Francis of Assisi Newburgh. In addition to his parish assignments, he was Associate Director of the Archdiocesan Permanent Diaconate, Associate Director of the Archdiocesan Family of Life Office.

Father John formed the Catholic Coalition for Life, 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 Msgr. Henry O'Carrol Council Knights of Columbus.

Father John was honored by both the NYS Senate and Assembly for his community work in Rockland County.

Prior to 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.

Visitation will be held on April 21st, 2025, at St. Patrick's Church 55 Grand St. from 3PM to 7PM. A Mass of Resurrection will take place on Tuesday April 22nd at 10AM at St. Patrick's Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in New Windsor.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Birthright Dutchess County, 769 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. Donate to make a difference in Father Vondras' name.