Thomas Joseph Roncka

Tom leaves behind his loving family: wife Dorothy Barylski Roncka; children James Roncka, Suzanne Delaney, Jeffrey Roncka, and Elizabeth Roncka; daughters-in-law Lori Chong Roncka and Lynne Khavari Roncka; grandchildren Wyatt Delaney-Lefebvre, Rachel Roncka, Samantha Roncka, and Madeleine Roncka. He was preceded in death by his older brother Walter Roncka and is survived by his younger brother Joseph Roncka, sisters-in-law Joyce Roncka and Judy Roncka, nephews Scott Roncka and Michael Roncka, nieces Erin Lund and Krissy Burke, and their families.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, the middle son of the late Matthew and Jane Gregorowicz Roncka. Tom graduated from St. Stanislaus grammar school and BMC Durfee High School. In his youth, he developed interests that he pursued his entire life. Tom loved sports and played baseball in several local leagues, enjoyed cars, movies, and reading—especially biographies and mysteries—and he excelled at solving word puzzles. Shortly after his 17th birthday, Tom enlisted and served four years in the United States Air Force. His time in the Air Force was a period of growth and learning, and he often described it as a formative experience. His role as a radio communications technician not only equipped him with skills that led to a 30-year career in telecommunications but also took from as far east as Saudi Arabia and far west as Johnston Island in the Pacific. Tom was especially fond of his time stationed in Southern California.

Following his honorable discharge, Tom returned to Fall River and started taking classes that would enable him to attend college at Southeastern Massachusetts University’s Evening Division while simultaneously working full-time. His Air Force credentials enabled him to secure jobs at some of the early computer companies that were springing up in MA in the early 1960s. Tom developed programming skills and began a multi-decade career in switching systems and management at AT&T, New England Telephone and eventually retiring from Verizon Communications. His digital switching technology expertise was in high demand in the early 1990s, and he concluded his career at telecom start-ups RCN and Choice One.

Tom’s new family life began in 1962 when he met Dorothy Barylski and started a courtship that led to their marriage in November of 1963. He moved to New Bedford and during the next decade he and Dot had four children whom they raised in the North End. Tom often said that the years spent with Dorothy and his young kids were his favorite time of life. A close second could have been the fun he had with our cat Tanya who was his constant playfighting companion while she was with us. While never having enough time to fully embrace them, Tom nurtured hobbies that included jazz music, dabbling with sketching and portraiture, and golfing with friends and cousin Jack Roncka. Once fully retired, Tom put his energy into volunteering at St. Luke’s Hospital and the New Bedford Whaling Museum archive.

Regardless of what else was going on in his life personally or professionally, he always prioritized what was best for his family. Tom and Dot attended the kids’ multitude of sporting, dance, theater, and academic events and always tried to be as supportive as they could. This extended to their grandchildren and Tom fully embraced being a grandpa. Even during illness, Tom’s instinct was to be a provider, and he never wanted to be a burden to his family. He spent too much time in his last weeks apologizing for the level of care he needed, and he would be the first to extend a special thank you to his loving caregivers who helped him so much during his last months.

In the end, we shall remember and miss most Tom’s unconditional love of family and those times when he would open up and let us see more of his unique personality, interests, and beliefs. It was during these all too rare instances that he displayed both a more nuanced and “brightly colored” side that revealed his most hopeful and vulnerable self. For those moments and everything else he gave us we are eternally grateful that Tom Roncka was in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-1905 or www.stjude.org

Thomas' visitation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 9:00 to 10:00AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial with Military Honors will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.