In Memoriam: Theodore 'Tadj' Ondrick

Theodore “Tadj” Ondrick Jr., a recycling pioneer and early Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA) supporter, has died at 80 years old.

Known as a “true visionary,” Ondrick Jr. had a strong work ethic fueled by weekends and summers spent working at his father’s business. The Massachusetts-based company, known originally as Ted Ondrick Co., provided construction services to the local community.

After purchasing the family business from his father, Ondrick Jr. quickly expanded services to offer construction materials from the company’s sand and gravel pits, as well as its granite quarry. In 1973, Ondrick Jr. started what is believed to be the first drum mix asphalt plant in Massachusetts.

As the recycling concept developed, Ted Ondrick Co. became a resource to implement regional recycling by using recycled asphalt pavement. With these efforts, Ondrick Jr. went on to become an original board member of the CDRA and was an early inductee into the C&D Hall of Fame, receiving the honor in 2014.

Ondrick Jr. sold the business in 2014 to his oldest sons, Todd and Adam, who continue to operate the Chicopee, Massachusetts-based business (now under the name Ondrick Materials and Recycling). Together, the two brothers have further expanded operations to Ondrick Natural Earth, supplying hardscape supplies to the community.

“During the early days of the CDRA, there was no stronger supporter of the organization’s mission,” states the association. “The tradition of recycling lives on at Ondrick Material and Recycling through his two sons, Adam and Todd. The CDRA extends its condolences to the entire Ondrick family.”