Frank John Ontko, Jr.

With profound sadness yet with great hope in the Resurrection, we announce the passing of Frank John Ontko, a beloved member of our community, who was called to his eternal home on Good Friday, March 29th, 2024.

Frank walked this earth for 77 years, touching lives with his great wisdom and intelligence. In his life, he desired to live as Christ, with a passion for the Word of God and the truth of the love and acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Frank was born in Sharon, PA on April 15, 1946 to Frank John Ontko Senior and Bronislava Jazwinski Ontko. After High School, Frank joined the Navy and served our nation in Vietnam. Frank served as a Library Director in West Virginia where he met his wife, Ellen Ontko. Later, Frank, Ellen and Josh moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he earned his Master’s Degree in Divinity from Oral Roberts University and then pastored Grace United Methodist Church for several years. Frank moved from the pulpit to the counselor’s desk when he served as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor for Saint John’s health systems in Tulsa OK. Many years later, Frank traveled from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Tallahassee, Florida to assist his wife in caring for Ellen’s aging parents. During this time he served as a librarian in the Florida prison systems and then pastored a church in Northern Florida that he retired from. Frank had degrees in Psychology, Library Science, and Divinity.

We take comfort in knowing that Frank Ontko is now in the loving embrace of our Lord, free from pain and suffering. Frank was heard to say that he was done with this body and ready to move onto the next. We imagine Frank sitting with Saint Peter and Saint Paul arguing the finer points of deep theology, while Christ smiles and enjoys his presence.

Frank is survived by his ex-wife, Ellen Ontko; his adopted son, Josh Ontko; daughter-in-law, Paula Ontko; as well as 4 grandchildren, Micah Foley (Thomas Foley, Allie Foley), Natasha Ontko (Matt Hartmuller), Zadok Ontko and Xander Ontko. Frank is also survived and mourned by his older sister, Adele Ontko; younger brothers, Delbert Ontko and Michael Ontko (Pam Ontko); and his niece, Erin Gesser (Scott Gesser).

A memorial service to celebrate Frank Ontko's life will be held on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Good Samaritan Methodist Church, where we will gather to share memories, sing hymns of faith, and commend Frank Ontko to God's eternal care. Following the service will be a small luncheon.

"Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death." - Isaiah 57:2

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds as we remember Frank Ontko. May his memory forever be a blessing.