Thomas Rocco Vona Jr.

OSWEGO – Thomas Rocco Vona Jr., 78, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 17, 2026. Thomas “Tommy” was the son of the late Thomas R. Vona Sr. and Mary (Pileri) Vona.

Tommy was born July 7^th, 1948 in Oswego, NY. He graduated from Oswego High School and Corning Community College. He served in the United States Army for two years stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Thomas met the love of his life Mary Jane Canale when they were just 14 years old. They were married in 1969 and would have celebrated 57 years of marriage this October.

Tom was a true lover of sports, he played in his youth, coached as an adult and truly enjoyed watching his grandkids play. Whether it was baseball, basketball, soccer or watching dance recitals and concerts he was happiest rooting for them. Tom was a lover of all things baseball. His passion for the Yankees was enthusiastically embraced by his kids and grandkids. Vona’s was also a longtime sponsor of Oswego Little League.

Tom was a private man but not a shy one. He was a great bartender. Known for his ability to make conversation, share a laugh, smile, and make people feel at home. As the co-owner and operator of Vona’s Restaurant; his family restaurant with his wife, Mary Jane, sister Joey and her husband Murphy Occhino he took pride in creating an atmosphere where people could gather and celebrate life’s special moments for over 50 years.

When Tom wasn’t hard at work you could most likely find him with the sun shining on his face. He loved to be outdoors and walked every day. Tom had an ear for good music. He could recite the year, title and artist of any song in an instant. He was the go to long before Google.

Thomas is survived by his wife Mary Jane and their three loving daughters, Brandi Rae (John) Weidman, Elisabeth Anna (David) Haight, and Jessica Jane (Michael) Fortier, his six amazing grandchildren Abigail, Grace, and Johnny Weidman, Samantha Haight, and Nathan and Thomas Fortier. He is also survived by his sister Josephine (Murphy) Occhino and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Tommy was predeceased by his brother August J. Vona.

Calling hours will be Monday September 21, 2026 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home, 147 W. 4^th. St. Oswego. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Christ the Good Shepherd, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery.