Obituary of Paul E. Jonas

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Dad, Paul E. Jonas, Sr. Born to the late Theodore and Winona Jonas on July 23rd, 1939 in the Indian village of Mashpee, MA, Paul was a proud and active member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe. After graduating from New Bedford High School, Paul enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. There he would marry Etta Catherine Gambola.

Upon returning to the states, they settled in Manchester, CT where Paul embarked on a long, successful career with Sears & Roebuck. When the company restructured, Paul left to work for the State of CT, Department of Special Revenue, first at Foxwoods then at Mohegan Sun Casino. Paul was an accomplished artist, carpenter, outspoken tribal elder and avid reader. He maintained plentiful gardens and found joy in sharing his bounties each summer. He treasured the peace he found on Bolton Lake, and the laughter and company of his many dear friends.

Paul was predeceased by his sister Ramona. He is survived by his brother Theodore "Teddy" Jonas of Ellenton, FL, his sisters Elizabeth Atkins and Eleanor Jonas of Cherry Hill, NJ, his sons Paul Jonas, Jr. and his wife Stella of Vernon, CT; Steve Jonas and his wife Barbara of San Diego, CA; Gary Jonas and his wife Keri of Coventry, CT; daughter Ashley Jonas of Waterbury, VT and also 7 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St. Manchester, CT, on Friday August 15 from 5-8. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 16, at noon at St. Bartholomew Church, 736 Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's name to The Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd, Newington, CT 06111. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.