Obituaries

John Kondravy, 77

September 29, 2017

John Kondravy, 77, originally from Allentown passed away Friday morning, September 29, 2017 at LGH.

John was privileged to have had not one but two meaningful careers: teaching high school students first in the Philadelphia area, then Lincoln Junior High School, and finally at J. P. McCaskey, and cofounding Organization for Responsible Care of Animals, ORCA. Both of these careers were based on a work ethic established early in life.

As a teen he became a soda jerk, then a stage hand at Melody Circle in Allentown. After graduating from Allentown High School, where he was an honors student and involved in dramatic arts, he began a career as a copy editor at Prevention Magazine to enable himself to attend Kutztown University. He attended school during the day and worked second shift at night. He also was an usher at the19th Street Arts Theatre during this time.

Finding a teaching position at Interboro School District as a math teacher, he produced the first school musical the town had ever experienced.

Meeting his wife, Connie Ranck Kondravy, John settled in Lancaster. Both learned the plight of animals and volunteered for several years at the Humane League of Lancaster County. John was invited to join the board and soon became first vice-president.

Concerned for ill, injured, and in distress animals who were not being rescued, John and three others founded ORCA. For nine years John taught days and did emergencies at night to rescue these animals in need.

About fifteen year ago, he attended Humane Police Officers Training School and received his badge. He worked tirelessly for the animals. He believed in education first; then, prosecution if all else failed. From 2007 until a few days before his death, he had closed about 1300 abuse cases in Lancaster County. He was honored in the past by The Central Penn Business Journal for his abuse investigation work as a humane police officer.

In his private life his passions included opera, which he discovered as a young teen when he accidentally found the Metropolitan Opera Saturday matinee broadcasts on his bedside radio. He was a member of the Metropolitan Opera Guild which led him to become devoted to New York City and its beautiful music and architecture. His love of reading is demonstrated by his goal in 2000 to read the Time’s hundred best books of the 20th century. Having read many of them before, he read all in order backwards! In exactly 3 years and 3 days, he proudly reached his goal.

John will be sorely missed by his wife Connie of 53 years, his canine pals Teresa and Mattie, and his cat Prince Orlofsky. Memorial remembrances of John may be sent to ORCA, 610 North Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.

An evening of celebration of John’s life will occur on November 4, 2017 at Four Seasons Banquet and Golf Course in Landisville. Friends wishing to attend are invited to call the Animal-Alert Hotline at (717) 397-8922 for more details.

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Condolences to the Family

December 29, 2017

I remember Mr Kondravy when he taught us at Inerboro and I remember the musical he directed (he and his life love danced in that play!).  Mr Kondravy was dedicated and very serious about his endeavors.  I send my sincerest condolence to Connie and his animal family.  Rest in peace Mr. Kondravy.

November 19, 2017

Dear Connie,
  John’s work as an educator and as a benefactor to injured and abused animals touched so many lives that I am sure his spirit will live on in the efforts he inspired in others.  God bless you.
Ed Pribitkin and Family

October 21, 2017

Connie – I just learned of John’s passing today,my heartfelt sympathies to you.  My fondest memory of the two of you was wataching you dance together at a HACC’s holiday party.  You two were perfect partners in every way. 
Eleanor Bosserman, former HACC colleague

October 19, 2017

Dear Connie,
Sending you heartfelt condolences at the loss of your John who did so much good for our community.
As just one example, he rescued our beloved cat, Oronte, about 13 years ago. I believe Oronte and his littermates were thrown into a sewer and Oronte was the sole survivor. Oronte grew up at the ORCA office and came to us at 18 months of age. He has been a joy. We will be forever grateful to John and ORCA for bringing him into our lives.
Sincerely,
Stefanie Valar, Lancaster
 

October 17, 2017

I am in disbelief and sadden of my High School Math teacher Mr. Kondravy’s passing. I for one will always remember and have John in my heart. Even though the man made me not like Math class all the years in High School and, I still had to deal with Mr. Kondravy as the most organized homeroom teacher also. I can sit here and type lots of stories between me and Mr. Kondravy….One he would always call me “Ruthless” my high school nickname, Two after all the years of being his student I have had the great pleasure to have his lovely wife Connie as my English professor in College to which during student call list she says is there a Ruthless in the room, I was shocked….and last but not least Three, My fondest sweetest memory with Mr. Kondravy was the love and respect we had regardless of his crazy teaching of Math…lol. He took me out to lunch and even though he took me to a sushi restaurant and I did not like sushi….lol He would give good conversational topics. I know he was very proud of me;  I always enjoyed our time together. May you Rest In Peace Mr. Kondravy for you are another Angel of mine. Also I send my deepest condolences to Mrs. Kondravy….Connie Thank You for taking care of John all those years together….I Love You Both.
Love,
Ruthy Lozano aka Ruthless 😊❤️
 

October 16, 2017

I just learned of John’s death last night and I am stricken with sadness.
The world has lost a most noble man, a scholar and a friend of all animals.
His voice and actions in defense of the voiceless will be sorely missed.

October 14, 2017

John Kondravy is the truest and bravest hero I have ver known. He was a hero for the most vulnerable creatures on this earth. He is the epitome of kindness and compassion. He never called attention to himself and his bravery and strength. I know his loss leaves the biggest empty space in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to know him. And his loss leaves the biggest empty space in the universe. Peace to you, John. And all my wishes for peace for his lifelong sweetheart, Connie.
Love, Mary Margaret

October 11, 2017

My condolences, 
 I was a student of Mr. Kondravy. I aways gave him a hard time,  and he was so patient with me, I always remember that about him. I remember seeing a red tail hawk get hit by a car, that didn’t stop,  I quickly thought about orca , so I stopped in, and Mr. Kondravy was at the desk and I let him know about the hawk and location.  I told him I was an old student, he said,  oh yeah…..I remember you.  With a serious look in his face. Then he cracked a smile and said thanks for stopping by. 
That’s my memory of Mr. Kondravy.  He will be missed.  God bless him and his family.  Pedro Martinez, Class of 96
 I 
 

October 09, 2017

Mrs Kondravy, I am sorry for your loss. I was in Mr Kondravy’s class as a senior at McCaskey. May he rest in peace.                                                                                              Steve Metzger – Class of 1973
 

October 09, 2017

Dear Connie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.  I cannot begin to fathom the loss you feel after 53 years of marriage to John.  If you need anything, please feel free to reach out to me.
Cindy A. Lucarelli

October 09, 2017

Dr. Kondravy,
I am saddened to hear of the passing of John.  Please know that we are praying for you in your time of need.  Thank you and John again for the blessings you provided me during my HACC years.  XOXO – we think of you often and miss you.  Love, The Weaver’s (Dan/Lisa and girls)

October 09, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. John was a special man & will surely be missed. Sending tons of loves to you Mrs Kondravy.
Kelly (Prisco) Seifert & Family

October 09, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I always appreciated your pleasant smile while teaching at Hempfield. Take care in this difficult time. Mark Wagaman

October 08, 2017

Dear Connie,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. May you be comforted in your loss by your memories of 53 years together.  
Rebecca (Bruckart) and I send our love.
Glenn Fadner (class of ‘70; The Desk Set)

October 08, 2017

Connie,  Walt and I are deeply saddened by John’s death.  You and John always  had the look of two people deeply in love and shared deeply in each other’s convictions.  God knows I will miss him, he was my hero and you are my  other hero.  Two people who loved and cared about animals as deeply and as passionately as I do.  Connie, the Bulbar ALS prevents Walt and I from attending John’s Memorial Service.  I have supposedly months left to live.  Hershey ALS Center has started me on medications that I privately think of as the meds prior to Hospice entering  into my end of life care.    Did Hospice nursing  parttime during the 1980’s so I am familiar with medications.  Connie, as I recall you are Greek Orthodox.  Was the priest there for you and John as you walked this sad path?  Walt and I wish we could be with you at this time to just  put our arms around you to let you know we love and care about you.   God bless you and Jesus carry you as you Walk this Path of Tears and Heartbreak and Heartache.  With much love my friend,  Shelly and Walt Baumbach

October 08, 2017

Dr. Kondravy,
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear husband, John.
Bonnie and Ron Schmitt (Jon’s parents)

October 08, 2017

John was a special human being, it was an honor to know him. He touched thousands of lives through his teaching and work with ORCA. The animal rights community has lost an ardent advocate but ORCA’s work will continue in his honor. Nancy and Miles

October 08, 2017

Miss Connie,
I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing.  I pray that God gives you comfort and strength at this difficult time.
Diane Gamber
(former HACC student)

October 08, 2017

ORCA and the animals of Lancaster County have lost a voice. A piece that cannot be replaced. Though we haven’t spoken in years I still remember my days at ORCA with love. My heart goes out to Connie as well as friends and family who feel your loss. You’re all in my prayers. 
With love Eva “Nikki” Camacho Burrs 

October 06, 2017

With all of our love and respect, S. Koh and J. Price… and feline children 

October 06, 2017

John, wherever your spirit is, there are oodles of 4 legged beings rejoicing to have you with them and reciprocating the love you gave so freely to them.  I know dear Connie and your 4 legged buddies are at such a loss without you, but, that love from those beautiful beings and yourself will be with them always and keeping watch over them, like you did for so many here.  Sending all of our love to you Connie and the kids.  
Deb and Steve Tucker
 

Services
Saturday, November 04, 2017
Four Seasons Banquet and Golf Course
Landisville, PA
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