Jonathan D Lewis

Jonathan D Lewis, devoted husband, visionary entrepreneur, passionate activist, and progressive philanthropist peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Banyan Ridge, his home in Coconut Grove, Florida. After a courageous battle with CNS Lymphoma, a rare form of brain cancer, Jonathan's spirit now rests, but his legacy of love and inspiration will live on forever.

Jonathan, a loving, natural caregiver with an open heart had a way of empowering others to achieve greatness and become the best versions of themselves. His presence served as a guiding light, urging others to strive for their best, while also being unafraid to hold them accountable. Fiercely protective of those he believed in, Jonathan encouraged taking risks and embraced the valuable lessons that accompany failure. A natural agitator, he challenged the status quo and relished going against the grain, never hesitating to make waves. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have entered his orbit.

Born on November 1, 1958, in Cleveland Ohio, Jonathan, graduated from Shaker Heights High School where his eye for detail and a honed aesthetic began to shine through in his love of photography. He went on to graduate magna cum laude from Boston University College of Communication. In Boston, his journey into the restaurant and hospitality industry began, fueling his innate desire to create, facilitate, and exceed expectations. From there he never stopped.

After college, he moved to Miami to work at the Sheraton River House and help open the renowned five-star Grand Bay Hotel, which redefined fine dining in Miami. In 1983, he founded his own independent design and development firm, Jonathan Lewis & Associates, managing projects in Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, New York, Aspen and Atlanta.

Jonathan's first solo restaurant project in Miami, Toby's, named in honor of his mother, Toby Devan Lewis, garnered recognition as one of Esquire magazine's "10 Best New Restaurants" in 1985. Food & Wine magazine honored it with their Best New Chef award, while the Miami Herald gave it five-stars out of four, the extra star for "pure class". Never afraid to learn from mistakes and to go backwards to move forward, when financial projections did not meet expectations, Jonathan closed the restaurant even while Toby's was receiving national accolades.

Next, Jonathan opened Cafe Tu Tu Tango in Coconut Grove, Miami, earning another four-stars from the Miami Herald for its innovative approach to small plate sharing. As Cafe Tu Tu Tango flourished, Jonathan played an integral role in its operations as it grew to multiple locations.

Inspired by his father, Peter B. Lewis, Jonathan began his transition to political activism in the early 2000's, supporting progressive political efforts focused on the fight for LGBTQ equality and youth empowerment. To truly challenge the status quo and build a sustainable progressive movement, Jonathan believed that young people and their creative energy and idealism were essential.

One of his first major undertakings was funding and incubating the Young Voter Alliance, under the Young Democrats of America. The Young Voter Alliance used an innovative, collaborative model to capture and cultivate a powerful, measurable progressive youth voting bloc. Never content with a single pronged approach, Jonathan, along with Russell Simmons, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Tracey Edmonds also produced the remake of the classic Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes song, "Wake Up Everybody." Paired with a concert and bus tour through swing states, they brought together the most popular hip-hop and R&B artists of the day to get out the youth vote. The result, in 2004, was the highest youth voter turnout since 1972. Today, what was then a radical model, continues to shape campaigns across the country.

Following his initial political investments, Jonathan became disillusioned as he observed what he considered to be "access advocacy." Progressive national organization leaders and activists seemed deterred from demanding radical accountability of those in power, settling instead for empty promises, excuses and privileged access with nothing to show for it. He transformed into an agitator, more inclined to challenge those in power to bring about real change. He fearlessly voiced his dissent and, more importantly, utilized his personal resources to exemplify his unwavering commitment to meaningful change.

Out of his deep frustration and perception of limited progress, Jonathan funded a new, radical, direct action group, GetEQUAL. Its mission was to relentlessly push President Obama and the Democratic Party to make significant progress toward full LGBTQ equality and, specifically, legalize same-sex marriage and end the discriminatory Don't Ask Don't Tell policy that forbade openly gay and lesbian individuals from serving in the military. GetEQUAL's nontraditional and aggressive tactics to bring the issues to the forefront included activists chaining themselves to the White House fence, disrupting President Obama at public events and blockading Las Vegas Boulevard. They definitely got the attention of the national press and President Obama. Despite pushback, Jonathan felt immense pride in 2010 as he stood alongside GetEQUAL activists during President Obama's official signing of the bill repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Additionally, Jonathan served on the board of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), which brought together attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies, representing different ends of the political spectrum, to champion the fundamental right to marry. This historic effort culminated in a landmark victory at the United States Supreme Court in 2013, establishing a binding precedent affirming the right to marry. Through his involvement with AFER and GetEQUAL, and many other groups, Jonathan played an instrumental role in advancing equality and justice for all.

Motivated by his long term vision to empower youth and shape tomorrow, Jonathan founded the Jonathan D + Mark C. Lewis Foundation. Rooted in his experience with political activism, philanthropy and hospitality, the foundation aims to catalyze the transformation of young dreamers into fearless doers by providing the resources necessary to challenge the status quo and create a more progressive world.Jonathan envisioned a future where young leaders drive transformative solutions, dismantle barriers and create lasting impact and he wanted young people to know that they were not alone in their pursuits. Guided by his unwavering vision and legacy the foundation will continue his work into the future.

Jonathan's possibilitarian vision and unwavering belief in the potential of humanity extended to his endeavors in transforming the theoretical into practical realities and working models that could inspire others to take action. One of the most ambitious theoretical to real world working models his foundation has undertaken is Farms Work Wonders, an experimental pilot project launched in 2016, that provides employment, teaches essential skills and supports the educational endeavors of local Appalachian youth. Since its inception, the project has created several successful non-profit social enterprise businesses that serve as dynamic living classrooms for youth including an organic farm, market, bakery, glass blowing studio and a restaurant opening in August, that will honor Jonathan's hospitality roots. These ventures have touched the lives of many people and will continue to do so.

Jonathan is survived by his husband Mark Christopher Lewis and his siblings Ivy Beth Lewis and Adam Joseph Lewis (Melony), uncles Daniel R. Lewis (Valerie) and Fred Devan, nieces and nephews Ariel Lewis Green (Christopher), Augusta Jasmine Powell (Harrison Silver), Max Peter Lewis, Benjamin Malouf Lewis, great nieces and nephew Eva MacLachlan Green, Imogen Tova Green and Remy Devan Silver, and many beloved cousins. Jonathan is predeceased by his parents Peter Benjamin Lewis and Toby Devan Lewis and his nephew Dakota William Powell.

To honor Jonathan's legacy, in lieu of flowers and donations; please be kind, fight to preserve human rights and democratic ideals and continue to strive to create a more progressive world. And, don't be afraid to shake things up.

Rest in power Jonathan. Your light and legacy will forever guide us toward a better future. We promise to continue the fight.

Services will be private.

To view the funeral service at 10:00AM EDT on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 please navigate to https://ttti.org/live-streaming-home-page/.