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Lawrence "Larry" Jonesi, age 83, beloved husband of the late Ruby; father of David (Lori), Gary (Fran) and Linda; grandfather of Jason, Alexander, Alison, and Ian; stepfather of Jill and Chris (Amy) Schauwecker; and grandfather of their children, Sally and Michael Berman and Luke, Ava and Jimmy Schauwecker; son of the late H. Howard and the late Fay; brother of the late Robert "Bob"; companion of Marian Marcus; former spouse of Carole; uncle of Bill. Larry was born in Chicago, IL, and attended Sullivan High School. He was a proud Korean War Veteran, having served in the U.S. Army's 17th Infantry Regiment in Onyang, Korea. He played football and baseball at Northwestern University, and graduated with a B.S. in Education. He then played professional baseball for the Wytheville Virginia Statesmen, a minor league affiliate of the major league St. Louis Browns (now the Baltimore Orioles), and he made the 1953 Appalachian League All Star team as a catcher. As a young adult, Larry invented sports-related games such as Kardball in 1946 (a precursor to the 1960's "Strat-o-Matic" and today's fantasy baseball games) and he patented a handheld basketball paddle with attached ball-on-string game in 1955. Larry was a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Chicago Public Schools for 37 years, serving at Jirka Elementary School, Foreman, Phillips, Sullivan, Mather, and Von Steuben High Schools, and as a citywide Athletic Coordinator. At Sullivan High School, Larry coached some of the best football, basketball, and baseball teams in the city during the late 1960's and early 1970's. During this time, he also started and ran Jamboree Day Camp at Caldwell Woods, one of the most popular and beloved day camps on the North Shore. Service Wednesday, 10 a.m. at The Chapel, 8851 Skokie Blvd., Skokie (at Niles Center Rd.). Interment Memorial Park, Skokie. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer's Association or Lewy Body Dementia Association would be appreciated. Info. The Goldman Funeral Group, Irwin Goldman Director. (847) 478-1600.
37 Entries
Linda Jonesi
Daughter
March 31, 2021
Linda Jonesi
Daughter
March 31, 2019
Linda Jonesi
March 31, 2013
I was truly hurt when I found out about Mr. Jonesi, he was my division teacher at Wendell Phillips High School in 1958.Mr Jonesi inspired me to love the game of basketball, he would allow me to sell tickets so I could attend the games for free. He was the best, I believe he loved everybody he touched in life may God give you all peace in your loss.Ms.Beverly Clark-Lucas
February 25, 2013
My sympathy to the Jonesi family. Coach helped me out a number of times during my time at Sullivan H.S. What a great guy - sorry for your loss.
Tim O'Connor
April 11, 2012
I am deeply saddened to learn of Coach Jonesi's passing. I consider him to be a very positive influence in my life and have often quoted many of the wise philosophical statements he shared with me during our time together (I was Sullivan's basketball manager) in the late 60's and early 70's. May he rest in peace.
Bruce L. Korr, Sullivan High School, Class of 1971.
April 8, 2012
My sympathy to the Jonesi family. He was such a good man. Prayers of comfort for family and friends.
Judy Greenspon Cole
Class of 77
April 4, 2012
The Max Fisher Family sends condolences to our friend Larry's family. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time.
Max & Eunice Fisher
April 4, 2012
hi i am jackie levine - my dad -Dovey (dave) levne went to school with Larry and i remember his name. also dave's sister- Mimi Levine also went to sullivan a bit younger. my sympathies go out to the family. if my dad was still here he would wish the same to the family . Dovey has been gone 15 years on April 1st
if anyone wants to get a hold of me -my email is [email protected]
April 3, 2012
On behalf of the Jewish War Veterans, North Shore Post 29, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Larry Jonesi.
Joe Wallace
Commander
April 3, 2012
To the Jonesi family. My deepest sympathies to you. Coach Jonesi was a fine man. I was one of his athletes during the mid-60's. He was not just a coach but truly a mentor to the young men he coached. I am proud to have known such a good man. May his memory be for a blessing.
Ed Alschuler
April 3, 2012
David,
To you and your family, please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. Michelle and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dave Hunter
April 3, 2012
It is with great sadness that we learned of Larry's passing. We worked together and enjoyed many good lunches, games, golf, laughs, family events and mutual friends in Chicago and in Florida. Ed & Marge O'Farrell
April 3, 2012
April 3, 2012
April 3, 2012
To the Jonesi Family; We are so sorry for your loss. We love you so much.
The Lopas', Aaron, Debbie, Justin and Jonah
April 3, 2012
To the Jonesi Family,
My sincere condolences on your loss of a wonderful man.
Marsha Goldberg Freeman Sullivan Class of '74
April 2, 2012
Dear Gary, Fran, Alexander, and Ian,
We're so sorry about your loss. Our love and prayers are with all of you.
Jack, Sandy, Brooke, Russ, Ryan and Elle
Sandy Matney
April 2, 2012
To the Jonesi Family,
We are sorry for the pain in your hearts and thankful for the wonderful legacy your Dad leaves to you. May his spirit live on.
Jeff and Cheri
The Cohns
April 2, 2012
Gary, Fran, Alexander and Ian,
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy.
Paul and Michelle
Michelle Tierney
April 2, 2012
David and Family,
I was blessed to have known Larry and to have benefited from his mentoring and friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael Corchin
April 2, 2012
My deepest sympathy to your family. Class of 1965 Phillips Sincerely Harold Kirkling
April 2, 2012
Dear David and the Jonesi Family,
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Dad and my favorite Sullivan High School coach. Coach Jonesi leaves a legacy of mentoring many fine and successful student athletes, and I am so proud to be considered one of them !! So, from the class of 1967, may you rest in peace old friend !!
Sincerely,
Lou Gordon
Lou Gordon
April 2, 2012
Gary, Fran, Alexander, and Ian, Our deepest sympathy to your family on your loss.
Randi and Tim
tim taccardi
April 2, 2012
Dear Jonesi family,
We will miss your father very much....we so enjoyed his friendship in Illinois and in Naples. May God bless his memory .
Freya and Bob Greenspahn, Naples, Florida
April 2, 2012
Coach Jonesi was a great teacher and motivator. He influenced the lives of many young men in a very positive way. He will be deeply missed.
Sheldon Kail
April 2, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Jonesi family. Larry was a great coach, teacher and mentor.
Dave Peterson
April 2, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Jonesi Family. I remember him being a very entertaining coach who made us laugh.
Ron Kaye
April 2, 2012
Dear Jonesi Family,
What a loss, Larry was a good friend and MENTOR. He got me my first teaching job and then pulled strings to get me at Sullivan. Larry will be missed greatly but never forgotten.
Butch Jacobson
April 2, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Jonesi family. Larry was a great coach but most important a terrific guy.
Manny Weincord
April 2, 2012
Dear, David, Gary, and Linda, I am proud to say I had your Dad as a co-worker and most of all a best friend. We shared many good times together. I will miss him.
Dick Ovington
April 2, 2012
I felt bad when I saw that Coach Jonesi passed away. He was a big part of our lives for many years.
Jody Ebstein
April 2, 2012
I have fond memories of Coach Jonesi. I atteneded Sullivan HS in the early 60's. He was a find man and coach. May he rest in peace.
Jim Crue
class of 1965
Jim Crue
April 2, 2012
April 2, 2012
April 2, 2012
April 2, 2012
April 2, 2012
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