George Herbert Jonas

George Herbert Jonas obituary, Aberdeen, MD

George Herbert Jonas

George Jonas Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 22, 2017.
George "Herb" Herbert Jonas, devoted husband and father, died Wednesday, February 22, at his home in Aberdeen. He was 88. Born in Bay City, Michigan, he was the son of the late Edward and Florence (McFarland) Jonas. A brilliant mathematician, Mr. Jonas served in and worked for the US Army for 41 years, with most of his tenure at Aberdeen Proving Ground's Ballistic Research Laboratory (APG - BRL). An active member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, he retired in 1988. Raised in a devoted Catholic family, Mr. Jonas as an altar boy at most morning masses for several years. He and his three brothers worked to help support their extended family during the later years of the Great Depression. In 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and – due to his math abilities –was sent to officer's training school at the Michigan College of Mining and Technology where he earned a bachelors degree in mathematics. Mr. Jonas later recalled that, during his basic training, he did not favor firing rifles but instead developed an appreciation for the bazooka and its effect on heavy armor – not surprising because his namesake was St. George. After his military service, he became a civilian mathematician for the US Army at APG. His entire career involved ballistics and armor research. He was part of teams that researched and tested on weapon systems including the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and M1 Abrams tank. Mr. Jonas created algorithms and programs which were run on numerous computer systems beginning with the ENIAC and ending with the Cray supercomputer. During this time, he enjoyed bowling and served as a Scoutmaster and other related positions for BSA Troop 961. After his retirement, he contributed to his community by becoming a proponent for racial equality and responsible construction and operation of solid waste facilities. He served as a member of a solid waste planning board for Harford County. Herb and his wife were active in the local Democratic Club and attended a major march supporting health care reform in Washington D.C. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Winifred (Smith) Jonas; two sons; Robert "Larry" Jonas of Conowingo and William H. Jonas of Phoenix, Arizona; a daughter, Leslie A. Osborne of Conestoga, Pennsylvania; a brother John Jonas of Shelby Township, Michigan and three grandchildren, Mara Jonas Lowe, Martha Osborne, and James Jonas. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Robert and Thomas Jonas. A visitation will be held at the Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 1 from 6-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joan of Arc on Thursday, March 2 at 10:00am. Interment will be in Harford Memorial Gardens.

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March 6, 2017

Barbara Kreamer posted to the memorial.

March 2, 2017

john magness posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2017

Patricia Drummond posted to the memorial.

Barbara Kreamer

March 6, 2017

Dear Wink, Condolences to you and your dear family on the loss of your beloved Herb. I appreciate all you both have done for our community. Miss meeting you on walks at the promenade. On behalf of my brother, thanks for his great scout leadership. I admired his dedication to family.
May the peace of the Lord be with you now.

john magness

March 2, 2017

Leslie, So sorry to hear of you father's passing.It has been a little while since I have seen your Mom and Dad in Bel Air but any time we would meet it was like no time at all had passed since our last meeting. He was always a very warm and engaging person and he will be truly missed. Love to your mother and if there is anything I can do please let me know. John Magness

Patricia Drummond

February 28, 2017

Dear Wink - I am so sorry that we no longer have Herb Jonas in our lives and in our community. He was a true treasure and the courage and commitment he showed over the years to the lives of those around him were a model for all of us. I hope that you and your family can find peace in each other during this time. I will miss Herb's newsy communications with me for a very long time. I have loved you both since we first met in 1989. Keep fighting the good fight. Pat Drummond

Geraldine Hague

February 26, 2017

Dear Wink,Sending Condolences and prayers from the Hague Family.So very happy that I phoned three weeks ago and talked to you both. Please know I love you and will keep you in my prayers, Geraldine

Lee Magness

February 26, 2017

Very sorry to hear about Herb. Wink was my alltime favorite teacher and got to know Herb very well later when we both worked in the same branch at BRL, a nice gentle soul. Lee Magness

Zana Raybon

February 24, 2017

Aunt Wink, Larry, Billy & Leslie, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Herb - my favorite uncle ever. I will miss him so much! I have so many fond memories of time spent with you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Zana

Rich Norling

February 23, 2017

Herb was a friend and a great contributor to progress that helped make Harford County the diverse, vibrant community that it now is.

Lynn

February 24, 2017

Aunt Wink, Larry, Billy and Leslie and family, so sorry to hear about Uncle Herb. I know dad and Uncle Fritz are looking after him. I know how hard it is. I still miss my dad everyday. Some days are a little easier than other, but Tuesday was a hard day with it being my dad's birthday. I know they will all look after all of us left behind and they will take care of each other. Thinking of you guys. Love, Lynn

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Tarring Cargo Funeral Home

333 S Parke Street, Aberdeen, MD 21001

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Sign George Jonas's Guest Book

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March 6, 2017

Barbara Kreamer posted to the memorial.

March 2, 2017

john magness posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2017

Patricia Drummond posted to the memorial.