Thomas P Ornawka

Dec 30th, 1931 – Mar 02nd, 2026

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas (Tom) Ornawka, early in his 94th year. Tom was born in Montreal, the son of Victoria Gregorynska and John (Jan) Ornawka, brother to older sister, Jane Nowakowski as well as younger sister, Adele Hodgson.

Tom had a distinguished and respected career with The Montreal Catholic School Commission (MCSC), where he began as a teacher, working his way up to an administrative position as school principal. He persevered with his studies for his master’s degree, while employed as a teacher.

Having the number of years necessary to be able to enjoy an early retirement, Tom then began a different phase to his career path as a business owner, where he undertook a hands-on approach to all details pertaining to a successful retail business. Tom was a man of many talents, also being a musician playing in a band for over 45 years. During his early years in the band, he met Mary Colantonio which he married in August of 1959. They were together for close to 63 years. Mary unfortunately passed four years before her husband in January of 2022.

Tom was also quite a sportsman, having played ice hockey, being an avid bowler, a talented curler, a clutch golfer, a jogger in his earlier years, as well as an accomplished and certified scuba diver. After retiring from the MCSC, for many years to follow, he volunteered for many noble and worthy causes, as he spent much time making a difference, whether it was tutoring, delivering ‘’Meals on Wheels’’, collecting many donations for different associations and organizations, helping at the Almage Senior Community Centre as well as being a long-standing member of the Association of Catholic Retired Administrators (ACRA). Tom also proudly presided over the Board of Directors of the Polish CHSLD, Marie-Curie Sklodowska.

Tom was a fine provider for his family as well as a devoted husband, father and loving grandfather. Left to mourn are, Timothy (Tim) Ornawka and his partner Ghislaine Soucy, Stephen (Steve) Ornawka and his wife Anna Cardone, as well as his granddaughter Ashley Ornawka and her husband, Gabriel Touma. He also leaves behind nephews & nieces, Teresa Morgan Nowakowski, Frank Nowakowski, David Hodgson, Joan Craig Hodgson, Deborah Young Hodgson and Susan Hodgson. May Tom rest in peace and watch over us!

Funeral mass to be held at 12:00 pm (noon) on Friday, March 27th, 2026 at St-Brendan’s Parish, situated at 3542 Rosemont Blvd in Montreal, H1X 1K8. Father Paul Pomkoski who goes way back with Tom, will be the celebrant. Visitation to be held at the church prior to mass as of 11:00 am.

Donations to The Montreal Heart Institute (ICM) would be appreciated. https://fondationicm.org/en