Jonathan Mitchell Strain

Jonathan Mitchell Strain obituary, Montclair, NJ

Jonathan Mitchell Strain

Jonathan Strain Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home on Feb. 16, 2025.
Obituary of Jonathan Mitchell Strain
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Jonathan Mitchell Strain (May 21, 1962 - February 11, 2025)
Jonathan Mitchell Strain, a devoted father, husband, brother, and friend, passed away tragically this past week in Scottsdale, AZ, after being struck by a car. A longtime resident of Montclair, NJ, and more recently of New York City, Jon's life was defined by love, adventure, service to others and a deep commitment to his family and friends.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan, to Bernice Marilyn Geurkink Strain and Robert Stanley Strain, Jon grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, where he cultivated his passion for sports, friendships, and the pursuit of excellence. A gifted athlete, he played both football and lacrosse at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, before continuing his athletic career at Brown University. As a Brown Bear, he was a tenacious defenseman on the lacrosse team and a formidable force for just his freshman year on the football field. Jon graduated from Brown University in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in Economics and Organizational Behavior Studies.
Jon's greatest love was his family. He met his late wife, Patty, in the elevator at work in Chicago, and from that moment, their love story unfolded with remarkable speed and certainty. Within a year, they were married, and soon after, they welcomed their first son, Jack, in Evanston, IL. Their journey led them to Montclair, NJ, where they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and the joyful chaos of raising twin boys, Rob and Joe.
Jon had an insatiable curiosity for the world and a deep love for new experiences. He and his family traveled often, whether to visit family in Chicago and Arlington or to embark on unforgettable trips around the world. From safaris in Africa to ski trips out West and sun-soaked days on beaches around the globe, Jon found joy in every moment and journey. Though he cherished winter skiing and deep powder days with his sons, he was just as content on a warm beach, book in hand, margarita by his side, basking in the sun.
Sports remained a lifelong passion, not only as an athlete but as a mentor and coach. Jon dedicated countless weekends to coaching boys' lacrosse in Montclair, where he shared his wisdom and competitive spirit with young athletes. His presence at his sons' games-energetic, enthusiastic, and unwaveringly supportive-was legendary.
Jon was a highly respected figure in commercial real estate for 40 years, known not only for his expertise but for the deep relationships he built along the way. He held senior roles at Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and UBS before becoming a partner at Juniper Capital and, most recently, Sail Harbor Capital. His career spanned every facet of real estate finance, from development and construction to complex capital markets and investment strategies. But beyond his professional success, Jon's true gift was his ability to connect with people-his natural charisma turned colleagues into lifelong friends, and his network was built on trust, loyalty, and genuine relationships. He had an unmatched ability to walk into any room and leave having made a meaningful connection. Jon was also deeply committed to his community, serving on the board of trustees at his son's school, MKA, from 2008 to 2017, as well as other organizations close to his heart. His impact, both professionally and personally, will be felt for years to come.
Jon was known for making every occasion special, often marking life's milestones with heartfelt, elegantly crafted poems. He loved bringing people together, creating unforgettable moments, and making sure every gathering was one to remember.
Jon was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patty, in 2018, and he is now reunited with her in heaven. He leaves behind his three devoted adult sons-Jack (31) and Jack's wife Natalie, Joe (27), and Rob (27)- his wife Kate Mullin, his brother Dan and Dan's wife Valerie, and his sister Mary Siptroth. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his spirit will live on in the stories, traditions, and love he shared.
A funeral mass celebrating Jon's life will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at 10 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 30 North Fullerton Ave in Montclair, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair New Jersey where the Strain family volunteered for over 20 years.
Jon's memory will forever be a source of love, laughter, and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jonathan Strain, please visit Tribute Store

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June 18, 2025

P. Todd Pickens posted to the memorial.

March 1, 2025

Ed Geisler posted to the memorial.

February 25, 2025

Jon Pettee posted to the memorial.

P. Todd Pickens

June 18, 2025

Jon and I were classmates in college and dorm mates in Littlefield Hall on Main Campus our freshman year. In addition to his athletic prowess, I appreciated his affability, kindness, and genuine interest in others. And I admired his wide-ranging intellectual curiosity and boldly energetic sense of adventure. Indeed, his untimely passing is a loss to our class and the Brown community. My deepest condolences to his family.

Ed Geisler

March 1, 2025

Absolutely devestated to see this...forever grateful for having played LG next to Jon (C) on offense at Landon/ football. We blew people off the defensive line in double teams thanks to his strength and explosiveness (not mine!). What a class act, smart dude, sense of humor, all around great high school friend. Totally heartbroken, RIP Jon. EddieG

Jon Pettee

February 25, 2025

Jon and I worked together in business in various positions and companies for over 20 years. He was always a friend first and a business counterparty second. Few people have this gift. I will truly miss him.

Anna Winsett

February 25, 2025

To Jack, Joe & Rob:

I was very sorry to read of your Dad's passing in such tragic circumstances. I can only imagine how difficult this is for you coming so soon after losing your Mom.

We were neighbors on Clinton Avenue (the Strains at 80, the Winsetts at 84). I can still remember all the endless sports activities that took place in your yard, especially all four Strains jumping up and down on the trampoline! I hope you can find comfort in fond recollections of these and countless other moments with your parents, and in the belief that they are together again.

I will remember your Dad as a soft-spoken, gentle man, who always had a minute or two to chat over the fence.

Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences.

Anna Winsett

Nancy Skjei-Lawes

February 22, 2025

I met Jon & his family at Bradford Bath & Tennis Club they joined the same year we did 1997. Jon was a great dad all the kids liked him.
Each year he entertained us by participating in the men´s slash contest. He would do a painful high belly flop to win. All the kids would go crazy screaming. He was a great club member very nice & lots of fun. You will be deeply missed Love & payers to your boys & all the Strain family.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Susan Cole

Planted Trees

Lisa McReddie

February 19, 2025

Such a supportive and inspiring Dad to your wonderful sons. May you rest in peace.

Colvin Matheson

February 19, 2025

Rest in Peace, Jon. You were a great Landon classmate and teammate on the lacrosse field. We have lost a well-loved Bear.

Hale Boggs

February 18, 2025

I hadn´t seen Jon in a long time, but I was deeply saddened by this tragic news. I remember Jon as an all around great guy, excellent athlete (we played football together at Landon) and a successful businessman later in his life. My deepest condolences and sympathy to his sons and family. Carpe Diem.

Yianni Tousimis

February 18, 2025

I just read this. I haven't seen Jon in over 40yrs. I played Landon Lacrosse w/ him and he was always the friendly gentle giant soul that was just a bit younger than me. He was such a powerful and intimidating long stick D-Man that I was always so grateful that he was on 'my side'!
As ferocious as he was on the field...he couldn't have been a sweeter and gentler soul off it. I am sure that's how he carried himself thru his life whatever challenging arenas he found himself in and off.
I am really sad now. My heart goes out to his family and close friends. If I feel this sad, I can't imagine their pain at this time. RIP Jon...I know you always had my back! Until we meet again- Your Friend Yianni T

Cassie Wait

February 17, 2025

Enjoyed getting to know the Strain´s during MKA lacrosse season. Both Jack and our son Max played on the same varsity team!

Steven Schwartz

February 16, 2025

Steven Schwartz

February 16, 2025

I must have 1,000 pictures of Jon on the lake but these three stand out. Jon catching a beer on a wake surfboard like only Jon can. Jon sitting on the back of the boat getting yet another real estate guy up on the wakeboard for the first time (sorry Nassty!). And of course, Jon playing with the Mariachi band summer of 23. All classics and all so Jon.

I will miss you Jon but never forget you. Hope you're catching an endless wave, skiing first tracks with no lift line and just hanging with Patty.

Steven Schwartz

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Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home

76 Park Street, Montclair, NJ 07042

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Sign Jonathan Strain's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 18, 2025

P. Todd Pickens posted to the memorial.

March 1, 2025

Ed Geisler posted to the memorial.

February 25, 2025

Jon Pettee posted to the memorial.