Reverend Richard Ondreyka

BARBERTON---Rev. Fr. Richard J. Ondreyka, 82, passed away December 17, 2011 after having received the prayerful support and consolation of the Sacraments. Richard J. Ondreyka was born in Doylestown, Ohio on April 12, 1929 to the late Benjamin and Agnes Ondreyka. He was educated at SS. Cyril & Methodius School, Benedictine High School, St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio and St. Mary Seminary. On December 19, 1954, in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Bishop Edward F. Hoban ordained him to the priesthood for the service of the Diocese of Cleveland. Father Ondreyka's first assignment was as a Parochial Vicar at SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish in Lakewood. On September 27, 1956 he was assigned as Parochial Vicar at Holy Trinity Parish in Lorain. Father Ondreyka was then assigned as Parochial Vicar at Holy Name Parish on June 8, 1961. His next assignment began on June 9, 1966 as Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick Parish (Rocky River Drive) in Cleveland. On October 16, 1968 he was assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. James Parish in Lakewood. Father Ondreyka was then named Pastor of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cleveland on June 27, 1971. On November 15, 1973 he was named Pastor at St. Wendelin Parish in Cleveland. Father Ondreyka's last assignment was Pastor of SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish in Lakewood where he served from April 20 1977 to April 12, 1999. Father Ondreyka resided in Barberton after he retired and provided assistance to many of the parishes in that area. Preceded in death by his sisters Ardella Ondreyka, Anna Klosterman, Margaret Darlak and Helen Slisik; and brothers Milo, Tony and Benjamin. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Vespers will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 3:00 P.M. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 272 Broad St., Wadsworth, OH. Most Reverend A. James Quinn will be the celebrant. The wake will continue after Vespers in the Church until 7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Most Reverend Richard G. Lennon will be the main celebrant. Reverend Edward J. Luca will serve as the homilist. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School.