LTC David Tondini

LTC David E. Tondini

David E. Tondini, 79, passed away on October 1, 2026. He was born on September 3, 1947, in Herrin, Illinois, to Joe D. Tondini and Dorothy Janette Booton Tondini.

David graduated from Marion High School in 1965 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Southern Illinois University in 1969. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1972, completed U.S. Army anesthesia school in 1975, and earned a Master of Science in Nursing in 1985.

He served more than 22 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. In 1991, he served in Operation Desert Storm and earned the Bronze Star for his service in combat. After his military career, David worked for Brigham Anesthesia in Carbondale, Illinois, and later at Southern Illinois Orthopedic Center in Herrin, where he concluded his Illinois career. After moving to Arizona in 2016, he worked for Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Advanced Spine and Pain.

David married Jenise on February 10, 2015, on Kauai. He was known for his quick wit, sharp mind, infectious laugh, and gift for storytelling. He and Jenise treasured their travels, especially their trip to Italy and the Cinque Terre, and their many cruises. They loved sitting on the balcony watching the water, sharing dinner and a show, and spending time together. Their daily ritual of “10 kisses” was one of many small ways they showed their love.

David is survived by his wife, Jenise; his sons, Matthew and Erin, Steven and Debbie, and Jeff and Leigh; and his grandchildren Madison, Reilley, Matthew, Ariana, David Mitchell, Jacob, and Jon David. He is also survived by Jenise’s sons, David Weston and his wife, Julie, of Arizona, and Gary Clark and his wife, Kallie, of Missouri; and their children, Dean and Claire Weston, and Kameron and Maverick Clark. Jeff and Leigh’s step-grandchildren, Chandler and Lillian, also survive him.

David is also survived by his brothers, Kevin and his wife, Dawn, and Daniel and his wife, Linda, both of Marion, Illinois; and by several nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents. He will be remembered for his devoted service, his humor and stories, and the love he shared with his family.

David wished to be cremated in Arizona, and his ashes will be returned to Southern Illinois to be laid to rest with his parents and family. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11:00-1:00 at Blue Funeral Home located at 1704 North Court Street in Marion, Illinois. Celebration of life service will begin at 1:00 P.M. Full military honors will be accorded at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow in White Oak Cemetery.