Thomas E. “Tommy” Vondracek, JR – 32 – of 316 Grand St., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (January 1, 2011) as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle-pedestrian accident.
Born in Fort Bragg, NC on August 25, 1978, he was the son of Thomas & Sheila (Burger) Vondracek.
Tommy grew up in the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg area where he attended Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville, NC. He later received his high school diploma through Fayetteville Tech. From 1987 – 1990 he & his family resided in Germany. In 1990 the family returned to Fayetteville where they lived until moving to Hornell in 1998.
Throughout the years, Tommy had worked numerous jobs, including asbestos removal for several demolition projects in New York State and Ohio. For three summers he was employed by the Village of North Hornell.
Tommy was an avid fisherman and enjoyed playing cards. He was also a sports enthusiast who enjoyed rooting for his favorite teams, especially the Buffalo Bills, New York Knicks, New York Mets and the Syracuse Orangemen.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, James Vondracek; paternal grandmother, Jean Doan; maternal grandfather, Bob Burger.
Surviving are 2 daughter, Chelsea and Lily; his parents, Tom & Sheila Vondracek of Hornell; 2 brothers, Robert (Jennifer) Vondracek of Frewsburg, NY and Daniel (Stephanie) Vondracek of Hornell; 2 nephews, Oliver and Logan; maternal grandmother, Marjorie Burger of Hornell; paternal grandfather, Herbert Doan of Watkins Glen; several aunts, uncles & cousins.
The family of Thomas E. “Tommy” Vondracek, JR will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church in Hornell with Rev. G. Cole Gruberth officiating.
Tommy’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to Christ Episcopal Church, Center St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the Donor’s choice. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.