Obituary of John Kondrat

John William "The Plumber" Kondrat, 83, of Grove City, Florida died Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at Tidewell Hospice in Venice. Born on March 27, 1925 in Westfield, Massachusetts he served in the U.S. Army and was a 1945 graduate of Ft. Benning Paratrooper School. He was stationed in the Philippines during WW-II and received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Philippines Independence ribbon. Mr. Kondrat was the supervisor of maintenance for Strathmore Paper Company in Woronoco, MA for 40 years and retired in 1986. He moved to Florida in 1989 from Russell, MA. He was a member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge 1481 for fifty-eight years; V.F.W. Post 6445; American Legion and Am Vets all in Massachusetts. He belonged to the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1933; Florida Sheriffs Association; and the American Legion Post 113 in Rotonda West. He was an avid golfer and member of the East Venice Golf Club; he loved the beach, and riding his Harley motorcycle until he was 82. Mr. Kondrat was the cook for the American Legion in Rotonda and made the famous sauce for the spaghetti dinners held there. Survivors include one daughter: Cheryl A. Kondrat of Blandford, MA; one son: Michael J. Kondrat of Russell, MA; three sisters: Helen Petros of Westfield, MA; Katherine Nazrio of CA; Anne Kondrat of Westfield, MA; one brother: Charles Kondrat of Westfield, MA; companion: Joan Horne of Grove City, FL; his former wife: Lois Kondrat of Russell, MA; four grandchildren; Snookie the cat; his harem at the Legion and many friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 11:00 AM at the American Legion Post 113, Rotonda West. A man larger than Life, JK #1 would like everybody to know "A Tally Ho and a Pip Pip and a Chiddy O!" In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Tidewell Hospice & Palliative Care 5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34238 or the American Cancer Society 2801 Fruitville Rd. suite 250 Sarasota, FL 34237.