Gerald "Jerry" Eugene Jonathan

Gerald (“Jerry”) Eugene Jonathan, 83, of the Tuscarora Nation, passed away on November 29, 2020 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.   Born in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late Genevieve (Reitz) and Edmund Jonathan and grandson of the late Edith (Hill) and Edward Jonathan.

Jerry was a lifelong resident of the Tuscarora Nation and attended local schools.

In 1954, Jerry married Lorraine Hewitt (Bear Clan) of the Tuscarora Nation and was married to her for 52 years.   Lorraine predeceased him on July 30, 2006. 

In his younger years, he was a farmhand and worked various jobs as a laborer doing construction work. During the 1960s, Jerry worked as an ironworker for Ironworkers Union Local 9 in Niagara Falls and tied rods in the northeast and midwest. During the 1970s, he took a break from ironwork and went into business opening Arco Machine, Inc., a steel fabrication and welding company manufacturing parts for local businesses.   In the early eighties, Jerry returned to ironwork and operated G&J Contracting, Inc., a rebar and concrete reinforcement business.   He was President of the company. although Jerry retired as a rodbuster in 1999, he would occasionally put on his belt to work with his men at job sites while in retirement. Jerry was active in his company until just a few months ago and when not in his office, would regularly visit jobsites throughout the region and continue to manage company business. He also participated on the Apprenticeship Boards at Ironworkers Union Local 9 (Niagara Falls) and Ironworkers Union Local 6 (Buffalo) and actively recruited and interviewed young apprentices for both locals. He was also active in financial board meetings at Local 6.

Jerry was a life-long member of the Tuscarora Baptist Church, where he served for many years as a deacon.   Back in the 1960s, Jerry sang and preached in his family’s singing ministry along with his wife and children, traveling to churches throughout the U.S. and Canada. He had such a love for the Word of God and enjoyed witnessing to people and sharing about his love for Christ. Jerry would also regularly visit and minister to people both on and off the Tuscarora Nation, especially to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, or to anyone who demonstrated a need for prayer, spiritual guidance, or to provide encouragement for challenging circumstances.  He also provided financial support for many missionary ministries, and to the Summit Center – a Provider of Autism Services.

In his younger years, Jerry played lacrosse and basketball.  he also had a love for hunting, the outdoors, animals, traveling, long drives, and attending local country fairs and the New York State Fair in Syracuse.   He enjoyed watching football, boxing, wrestling, and westerns. He had a tremendous love for music and for singing.   He also had a wonderful sense of humor. Jerry had a great appreciation for good food and dining out but especially for his beloved Italian cuisine.  He always knew where to go throughout Western and Central New York for a delicious plate of pasta.

He is survived by his children Lori (Tom) Norton, Chief Tom (Angela) Jonathan, Vicki (Ivan) Garcia, Crystal Jonathan, and Grant Jonathan; his grandchildren, Desiree, Lindsey, Nicole, Derek, Danielle, Dylan, Lily, Nathan and Jenna Rose; his great-grandchildren, Meadow, Halia, Jaren, River, Ashton, Dawson, and Dalias; and great-great granddaughter Malia; his sister Louann (late Les) Blackwell; his good friend, Janet Sillaway; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends and acquaintances.

He was predeceased by his sister Muriel “Betty” (late Duane) (Reitz) Snyder, and two older brothers in infancy.

Due to the rising incidents of COVID-19 in Western New York and to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no prior visitation.  A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of his immediate family, followed by a private burial at Mount Hope Cemetery on the Tuscarora Nation.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Tuscarora Baptist Church.

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