Frank Tondora

Frank Tondora, 82, of Milford, beloved husband of the late Marguerite “McGee” (Ryan) Tondora, passed away after a brief illness on March 3, 2023, with his loving family by his side. Born on October 6, 1940 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of the late Francis and Agnes (McDade) Tondora.

Frank was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. He often traveled with a rod and tackle box just in case he spied a good fishing hole, later sharing this love and talent with his children and grandchildren. He was a lifelong fan of all things Baltimore, including the Orioles, Colts, and classic Maryland crabcakes. Frank attended the all-boys Catholic school Calvert Hall and he always spoke fondly of the Brothers who taught there. They helped instill in Frank values, character, discipline, and faith in all things – including Notre Dame football’s ability to bring home the big win when it mattered most.

Frank met the love of his life, McGee, while attending the Johns Hopkins School of Radiologic Technology. He knew a good thing when he saw it and he followed McGee back to Milford. They later married and raised a family in Heatherstone where they were blessed with decades of neighborhood friendships and traditions. Frank and McGee shared 51 beautiful years together and many common interests. Sports were a big part of their lives. They loved to travel near and far to cheer their kids on from the sidelines and the pool deck. And when that chapter closed, they then never missed a UCONN Women’s Basketball game (unless, of course, it conflicted with one of the grandchildren’s activities). Frank also volunteered many hours coaching softball, basketball, and Little League – he even donned a pair of skates to help a friend start Milford’s youth hockey program. After they became empty nesters, Frank and McGee became travel partners and avid golfers. They enjoyed many rounds among new and old friends at Grassy Hill Country Club where Frank brought home the Senior Championship more than once. 

Frank’s dedication to his family was mirrored by a steadfast work ethic that enabled him to enjoy a long and successful career. He started out in industrial radiography at AVCO/Lycoming and later applied his talents in sales and marketing at Professional Equipment Company and Fujifilm as well as in medical imaging at Milford Hospital where he proudly worked as Chief Radiologic Technologist. Following his retirement, Frank continued to serve his community as an ambassador with the Cody-White Funeral Home for many years.

A cherished father and beloved “Poppy,” Frank is survived by his children, Frank Tondora III and his wife, Janis, Lauren Tondora Murray, and Lisa Blaha and her husband, Jon; his grandchildren, Caleb, Rylee, Hayley, Mick, Hannah, Zachary, and Maren; and his extended family, affectionately known as the “Jersey Gang” and the “Canada Crew.”

Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish) 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave., Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association. 

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