Thomas C Ongaro , February 17, 1934 — December 18, 2018

Thomas “Tom” Clayton Ongaro, 84, of Columbus, Ohio passed away Tuesday, December 18th at Mount Carmel West Hospital from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Born in 1934 in Columbus, Ohio, Tom was the son of the late Frank and Margaret (Shortt) Ongaro. Survived by wife Patti (Culp), of Columbus, Ohio, granddaughter Stephanie McCague, Las Vegas and grandson, Steven McCague, Columbus, Ohio.

Predeceased by his loving daughter Janie McCague, sister Esther Miller and brothers Frank and Edward Ongaro. Tom was absolutely loved by everyone who knew him and always had an interesting story to share. He loved to make others laugh and would do fun impressions for the kids.

Tom was “Mr. Hilltop” and loved the west side community of Columbus where he spent the majority of his life. He was an avid gardener and a self-taught, awarding winning artist. Painting was his passion right up to his final days.

Early in his career he worked side by side with his brothers Ed and Frank at Ongaro’s Nursery & Garden Centre. He helped foster the grand tradition of flocked Christmas trees for the Columbus marketplace. He later became the top salesperson at Lazarus Department Stores.

Tom graduated from West High School and was a top running back for the West High Cowboys as well as the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was the back-up running back for the famous Heisman winner, Howard “Hopalong” Cassidy. Scarlet and grey was in his blood and he remained an avid fan and supporter of the OSU Buckeyes.

Tom was a proud Navy veteran and spoke of his service with high reverence. He kept a photo of his ship to his last days having spent many months on the Mediterranean Sea fighting for his country. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the late Ed Ongaro, Jr (nephew) and Kelly McFarland (family friend) for their loving care and assistance during the past 5 years as Tom and Patti settled into retirement.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to the charity of your choice or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research www. michaeljfox.org A celebration of life will be held this Saturday, 12/22/18 from 2-4pm at First Community Village, 1800 Riverside Drive, Columbus, Ohio. A special service for the family will be held following the New Year.

Tom will be missed by everyone who knew him, but he leaves us all rich with wonderful memories.

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