JONATHAN WOOL

I called him my best friend, from Chicago Hyde Park to Little Italy NYC. My condolences to all who knew him, a loving and intelligent rare soul. The Wools and Rubins grew up together, as the saying goes, a brother from another mother, and my mom, Marilyn McDevitt Rubin would say, how lucky we were to have this time with each other.

I was stunned to receive an invitation to Jon's memorial service. I met him through my reporting work for The Louisiana Weekly and WWNO while I was living in New Orleans, and we occasionally connected after that. He was a very kind man who was committed to righting some of the wrongs embedded in the criminal justice system. I am truly saddened by this loss and extend my condolences to his wife, Althea, his brother Christopher, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Jon was one of the sweetest, smartest, funniest, best people I've ever known. He dedicated his life to work for the poor and make the world a better place. The only consolation is knowing Chris now has one of his best friends with him again. All my love to Althea and Jon's family, such a terrible loss.

Jon was a wise, kind and caring soul. He used his brilliance to make this world a better place for those in the hardest situations.

I grew up with Jon and had a great 10 years as friends with him on my block before he moved 3 blocks away, and then we were teammates on the soccer team in high school. My condolences to Althea, his brother Christopher and his wife Charline.

I had the pleasure of working for Jon at Vera New Orleans. As someone who was new to the world of criminal justice reform, Jon taught me a great deal. My condolences to his family.

I´m forever grateful for Jon´s friendship. A deeply caring and compassionate man. May his memory be for a blessing.