Menu

Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

/

/

About

Washington High School Yale University

Jonathan Greenberg Obituary

Jonathan Joseph Greenberg Dec. 1, 1956 - Jan. 27, 2011 Jonathan passed away in Silver Spring, MD after a long illness. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ellen Weiss, his mother-in-law, Linda Laiks, his parents, Hannah and Richard Greenberg, brothers David/wife Jayne McElfresh, Donald/wife Robin Sandenburgh and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and Uncle Marvin Spiro. Jonathan, a third generation Californian, attended Alamo Elementary school, Presidio Junior High, and Washington High School in San Francisco. After earning a B.S. degree in Earth Sciences at UC Santa Cruz, he worked as a geologist at the US Geological Service. He then went on to work as a geologist in the private sector where he fulfilled his love of adventure. Friends and family enjoyed hearing tales about his harrowing experiences measuring ocean depths in the Arctic Region. Jon's lifelong interest in environmental influences on Public Health came to the fore. He earned a Master's Degree in Public Health at Yale University. His work experience, enhanced by his academic training, led to a position with the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC. After several good years he moved on to his last position working in private industry as Director of Environmental Policy. The residual effects of his spinal cord surgery forced his retirement and compromised his beloved outdoor activities. He had been a marathon runner, long distance bicyclist, hiker, wilderness adventurer, and an avid fisherman. To compensate for this loss, he created a home shop, his haven, a place where he developed expert skill turning wood into objects of art. Jon, with his great sense of humor and human kindness will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends. Donations in Jon's memory can be made to the National Resources Defense Council, 111 Sutter St. , # 20, San Francisco, CA, 94104-4540 or The Sierra Club, 85 2nd St., San Francisco, CA 94105.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 9 to Feb. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Greenberg

2 Entries

Molly Salans

February 11, 2011

Dear Hanah, Richard, David and Don,
My heart sank when I read about John's death and recently remembered him fondly with my sister, Cindy.
I remember him as a warm and compassionate young boy who often hung out with my brother Josh. They were really good buddies.

What a wonderful human being John grew into I had had no idea how much he had done. There is so much to be proud of, remembered and grieved over. I send you a million condolences, You are all in my heart.

With much warmth and grief,
Molly

Cindy Salans Rosenheim

February 10, 2011

Dear David,

I read your obituary for Jonathan with a sinking heart.
I knew him, years ago, only as the Greenberg baby brother; cute as a bug, warm and quick with a winning smile. The description of his impressive biography shows that he went on to become a creative, dedicated and adventurous (like his older brother!) soul.
I'm so sorry. With the end of life looming for us all, I cant imagine what it must feel like to lose a brother or a child.
Please accept my condolences to you, your folks and Donald.

Warmly, and with great sadness,
Cindy

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Jonathan Greenberg's name

Memorial Events
for Jonathan Greenberg

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Jonathan's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.