William Jonas

1927 - 2021

Jonas, William REXFORD William Jonas, 94, died peacefully at his home, after a long and wonderful life on September 16, 2021. He was born on May 6, 1927, in Frankfurt on der Oder, Germany. William emigrated from Germany via Denmark in 1934 with his parents, aunt, uncle and cousin. The family settled in the Bronx. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1945-1946. After the war, he attended and graduated from City College in New York. William had a long career in education. He started his teaching career for the New York City Board of Education, then taught for the Middle Country Central Schools in Centereach, Long Island where he also served as the director of Adult Education. In 1967, he became an associate in Adult Education for the N.Y.S. Dept. of Education and retired from there in 1987. During retirement, he enjoyed writing poetry and participated in the Writers Group at the Beltrone Living Center in Colonie. He was also an artist. William was the loving and devoted husband of Sonia (Nisonoff) Jonas who died in 2007. Together they raised three children, Margaret Taglieri (Richard), Laura Beck ( Jim), and Robert Jonas (Sherry). He was also a devoted grandfather to Richard Taglieri, Jeremy Taglieri (Jessica), and Jennifer Wolf (Matthew). William was active in the community and was a past president of Congregation Berith Sholom in Troy where he also served as principle of religious education. He was also a former president of the Newtonville Home Owners Association and was active in the Colonie Jewish Community Association. The family would like to thank Community Hospice, Theresa, Candie, Leah, and Crystal for their wonderful and compassionate care. Services will be held in the Beth Emeth Cemetery on Turner Lane in Loudonville on Sunday, September 19, at 3 p.m. Donations may be made to the Community Hospice or Friends of Pruyn House. To leave a condolence message for the family, please visit levinememorialchapel.com.