Obituary for Edward Nolan Ongaro, Jr.

Condolence From: Carol Baker, Westerville, Oh
Condolence: Almeda, In talking to a fellow resident, @
Maxtown Rd., last evening, she told me of Ed's
passing. I was shocked. I had been in TX
and missed seeing it in the paper.
So sorry for you. He was a great neighbor
and always willing to help when you needed
him. I think of both of you often.

Your former neighbor

Condolence From: Sandy and Tom Hensel, Lewis Center, Ohio
Condolence: We can't even begin to express our shock and sadness, as we heard that Eddie had passed away. He was our dear, dear friend of days gone by, working at Roush Hardware. Though Eddie's first love was the Fire Dept., he worked at Roush part time for many years. We all LOVED him. We were part of a wonderful family there, and we were all so blessed to have had Eddie as part of that family. His integrity, and honor and love for others, touched each of us. Though too many years have gone by, and we were out of touch, our hearts are broken. Seeing him last night in his uniform........we were proud to call him friend. Bless you all, and God speed Fast Eddie. You were truly loved by many and you will be missed.

Condolence From: LARRY ROUSH, SUGAR GROVE, Ohio
Condolence: He had the ability to find the good in virtually every situation. He will definitely be missed. Rest in peace Ed

Condolence From: James Igo, Columbus, ohio
Condolence: Sorry to hear about Ed, I worked with him at 27's. He had the "emergency business" in his blood. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Condolence From: ret Lt Charles Dickson CFD, pickerington, ohio
Condolence: I am very sorry for your loss. Every time I had contact with Ed it was a positive experience! We worked together as firefighters and at the fire alarm office. he truly was a fine human being and will be missed. Prayers of condolence to his family.

Condolence From: Terry Margaret Ongaro, Beaufort, South Carolina
Condolence: My dearest cousin, I will always remember you taking me down to Grandpa Ongaro's basement to get into his homemade brew and we both were 6 or 7. Being at your house on Ongaro Dr., talks on the phone and agreeing to everything...2 pea's in a pod.
I will see you down the road "Fast Eddie", your cuz, Terry Margaret

Condolence From: Greg Bauer 'Train 1', Dublin, Ohio
Condolence: I can't imagine how you are feeling. I've only known Ed for 18 years. Already I'm grieved with that spot that'll be empty now, looking for that man that is Ed. A true man of honor and integrity. Ed Was always honest with his feelings, even when it was humbling, never afraid to tell me when he was wrong. He wore his beliefs on his sleeve so you could never doubt that what he was telling you wasn't his God's honest truth. He was constantly thinking of others and doing everything he could to ease someone else's burden. The time he spent doing for others was never in want of doing things for himself. His convictions of what was right, his devotion to God and family, and his pride in his career and admiration for those he worked with made him a man. His love of racing, enjoyment of firearms and past time of collecting models, kept him a little bit boy. There's time for work, and there's time for play. These characteristics, in just the right proportion, keeps me ever reminding myself to be more like Ed. I can't tell you how sorrowful I feel for your loss. Just reading the things others have said about Ed should tell you what an inspiration he was to those around him. Ive been blessed to know him... He will be missed.

Condolence From: Bob karn, Hilliard, Ohio
Condolence: Ed was one of the nicest guys on the fire dept., never heard him utter an unkind word about anyone. Good man, good firefighter, I never saw him without a smile. He cared about the job and he truly cared about people. He will be missed.

Condolence From: Liz Mullins, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: So sorry for the passing of your husband. I only knew him by your picture on your desk at work. I knew him because I know you!
The God of comfort is near to you and your family. Praying for you and your family.

Condolence From: Cindy (McQuade) Bates, Delaware, Ohio
Condolence: Our deepest sympathy to the entire Ongaro Family. Brian, so very sorry to hear of your bother's passing. Our hearts are with you all. Please take care, Cindy

Condolence From: Leslie Joseph
Condolence: Alameda,
I am so saddened by your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Gary and Leslie Joseph

Condolence From: Jim and Trish Starrett, Gahanna, Ohio
Condolence: May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time. We worked with Ed in his Mifflin days. Our loss is heavens gain. God speed.

Condolence From: Lisa Callander, Worthington, Ohio
Condolence: Almeda, and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Ed's passing. He had a big heart, and was always ready and willing to help others in need. He loved his profession, but he also loved retirement. Most of all, he loved his family and friends.
God bless you, and keep you close during this sad time,
Lisa Callander

Condolence From: Jackie Morris, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: Eric, My thoughts and sympathies are with you and your entire family in the loss of your father. I was a former co-worker with you and know how close you and your father were. It must have really come as a surprise to your family having lost him at such an early time is his life.

Condolence From: Nancy White, Gahanna, Ohio
Condolence: I was saddened to hear of Ed's passing. After being elected as Clerk/Fiscal Officer for Mifflin Township, I had the opportunity to work with and get to know him. Although he moved to the Columbus Fire, we later became reacquainted with him when he returned as a dispatcher. My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.

Condolence From: Joseph Penty, Westerville, Ohio
Condolence: While i only knew Ed for a short time, every interaction I had with him was wonderful. I loved hearing his insight on the fire service, and his experiences he shared with me. Such a wonderful and inspiring guy, I can only wish to be half the man he was. You will be missed very much Ed.

Condolence From: glenn marquard, orient, ohio
Condolence: may not be able to attend ,myself and wife Mary send sincere condolences to the Ongaro family. Was with Ed at station 17 , he was a good team player.

Condolence From: Cindy Morris
Condolence: I am so sorry to hear of loosing such a wonderful human being! I worked with Ed at the FAO. He was always about doing something for someone else. Weather it be for those in need or for those he was showing his appreciation for. My heart goes out to the family.

Condolence From: Fred Greene, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: Ed was a true professional in every sense of the word. He loved his job and he loved and cared about the firefighters he worked with and the citizens of Columbus he worked for. Ed routinely went the extra mile to make sure a problem was solved or the firefighters on the street were getting the information and resources they needed to do their job. Ed helped a number of firefighters and their families over the years by raising money to help with medical expenses when they were to sick to work or funeral expenses of those who had died. Ed would visit a fellow firefighter who was near death to reassure them and their families that they could count on their brother and sister firefighters should a need arise. In many ways, Ed Ongaro placed the welfare of others before that of himself, a trait typical of most firefighters. Beyond that, Ed was a spiritual man. He believed in God. He believed that God's Son Jesus dying for sinners was his and every firefighters only hope in a world filled with so much chaos and pain and suffering. Ed believed in heaven and the promise of God that all who would look to Jesus in faith would one day be gathered there. Ed will be missed, but I'm hopeful for him because I believe that God is faithful and He keeps His promises to those who have faith in Him.

Condolence From: Valerie Bachus, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: I remember meeting Ed when I was a little girl at a family wedding and reunion. I am extended family(my grandmother Shirley and JoAnn are cousins on the McFarland side. Ed was such a family man and very caring and funny I remember that very clearly. He was a true hero protecting and serving his community. There is a special place in heaven for heroes like Ed.

I am praying for your family that you will feel God's comfort, as well as love and support from your family and friends.

Condolence From: Bill Williams, West Jefferson, Ohio
Condolence: Worked with Ed at sta. 17 for years good firefighter and medic. Most of all a great man what a joy it was to work with him. God speed my friend you will be missed.

Condolence From: Chelly Bundy, Findlay, Ohio
Condolence: Alameda,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Big Hug
Chelly

Condolence From: Michael & Brenda Brown, Frisco, Texas
Condolence: Please know that many caring thoughts are with your during this time of sorrow. Praying for peace, strength, comfort, courage and wisdom for the family.