New York State Police on Friday “with deep sadness” announced the death of a retired trooper from Gowanda.

Mark A. Ondus, 56, passed away Thursday from an illness stemming from his assignment in and around the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

He retired from the New York State Police on Jan. 20, 2021, after 26 years of dedicated service. He was last assigned to Troop T in Dunkirk.

He is survived by his wife Tammy, his sons, Charles, Sebastian, Nikolas and his daughter Tauni.

Schindler Funeral Home in Gowanda is handling arrangements.