Jonathan Roswell Davidson

Jonathan Roswell Davidson, known by all as Jon, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2024, after hospitalization in Allentown, PA. Since his retirement in 2004 he has lived in the family home outside of Easton PA, where he had spent his childhood.
Jon was born October 26, 1947 to Hugh Roswell Davidson and Persis Nancy Smith Davidson. He graduated from Moravian Preparatory School in 1965 and attended Penn State University until he enlisted in 1967. He served as an Army medic in Korea and Germany until 1970. After his return he worked briefly at several different jobs and completed his college education at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He then began his career in Civilian Personnel at Aberdeen Proving Ground at Aberdeen MD, for which he received commendations on his quality and dedicated service. He retired after three decades of service in order to oversee nursing home care for his father. He spent hours reading to his father, and many more hours reading at home with his beloved cat purring on his lap, taking care of the property he loved, and playing piano. After the death of his father in 2010 he volunteered with the Bangor area Meals on Wheels. Daily he opened the office, made coffee, and then delivered meals and kind words and companionship to many, many people. In 2022 he was honored for his exceptional service to Meals on Wheels. He continued daily delivery of meals until ill health in October 2023 forced him to give up the volunteering he loved.
Family and friends knew him for his ready sense of humor and quick wit, as well as for his devotion to family and to friends and neighbors. His nieces and nephews adored him for his jokes and ability to always bring fun to any occasion, and for his unshakeable support. Jon sometimes spoke about the meaning of life, and said we were put on earth to help others. His retirement made it possible for him to dedicate himself to that principle, as he had done years earlier as a medic. As a young man he wrote a number of songs, including one about his search for "a quieter, more peaceful garden door." He will be sorely missed out here, but he has found that door.
He was predeceased by his parents and by siblings Deborah St Amant Narboni and Melvin St Amant. He is survived by siblings William Davidson and Pem Davidson Buck, by nieces and nephews Rachel Pradeep, Naomi Palagi, Joshua Davidson, Brooke Davidson, Tess Davidson, and Adam Blythe, and by cousins Victoria Reenstra, Steven Reenstra and Susan Palkendo, and by multiple great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to honor his life will be held at a later date. The James J Palmeri Funeral Home, Martins Creek, PA has been honored to arrange services.
Gifts may be sent in his honor to: Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 1302 N. Sherman Street, Allentown PA, 18109 and should include a note saying the gift is in memory of Jonathan Davidson