He was born December 5, 1928, in San Jose, California, the only child of Severino and Mariana Mondada. He attended grade school in San Jose and graduated from San Jose High School in 1947. He attended two years of college in the San Jose area. Prior to being drafted into the Korean War in 1951, he was an accomplished accordionist and played in a dance band in the area. Due to injuries received during the war, he was honorably discharged in 1952.

He went to work for Westinghouse Electric Company in Sunnyvale, California, as a draftsman. In 1954, he transferred to the Idaho National Reactor Facility, NRF. It was while working here that he met his future wife, Donna Anderson. They were married August 30, 1957.

Tom and Donna enjoyed dancing with the Promenaders square dance group for many years. He was also a member of the Rock Club and the model airplane club in his post-retirement years.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna; two sons: Michael (Jennifer) Mondada and Alan (Peggy) Mondada; grandchildren: Aaron, Katie, and Carson Mondada all of Boise.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2009, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Firth with military rites by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and the Idaho Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com