Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Jonathan Assaf Obituary

Jonathan Walden Assaf of New Orleans. Beloved son, brother, friend, & father…29 April 1975 – 17 December 2013. "If a man loses pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured, or far away." On Walden Pond – Thoreau. He was born just after 11pm. Eleven-o-seven, to be exact. Just in time for the second set 'n after party at the Howlin' Wolf. Having studied with Ellis, he knew how to make a drum snare and a cymbal tremble and mean something. The youngest, he ADORED his big brothers and sisters: Robby, Ronny, Stephen, Roxane, Alessandra, Christopher, & Tiffany. His birthplace ran through him and there was only one soul who could make him leave it: His son, Hartley, just two. His gift for wordplay and story-telling came from BOTH his padres – Evy Ellis and Roberto. But his poignant, side-splitting, and penetrating humor was truly all his own. Fall into his gaze and you were immortal. Jonathan graduated from De La Salle, was a member of the Unites States Marine Corps and studied Engineering at UNO. He is remembered in many places. He had traveled the world and inspired as much trouble as fun. His English may have caused a ruckus, but his Spanish could charm a nun. And did I mention he was maestro in the kitchen? Jonathan lived with the gusto of his huge heart, and unbeknownst to him, it would be an enlarged one that would take him from us. The doctor said that "his heart was too big". And this we can all attest to. He died in his sleep on Tuesday. He'd hoped to spend this Christmas with his parents and sibs, and return to Orlando to ring in 'fourteen with his baby Hart. His presence will be sadly missed by all. Visitation will be held at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. on Thursday, December 26th at 4PM with a 5:30PM service following. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, we think Jonathan would love you to think of his heart, Hartley. Gifts and contributions can be sent in care of The Robert Assaf Family. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

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

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Dec. 21 to Dec. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Assaf

Sponsored by Roxane Assaf - Sister of Jonathan.

Not sure what to say?





Erin B

January 5, 2020

I thought of you the other day and looked you up, only to get this awful news that you were gone. We were close friends for a while in high school and you left an impression on me that I could never forget. I don't know how I waited this long to try and find you...I am deeply saddened for this terrible loss to your family, community and the world. This feels like the worst news I've gotten in a while. Sending the best to your family and other loved ones.

December 17, 2019

Truly ... He was always there with that smile and some funny antics. A brother I could let steam off with and then dust each other off and go share a meal. Merry Christmas Johnny J! Love you brother! Robby 12/17/19

Molly Clark

December 16, 2019

Jonathon was a whirlwind of life and reflecting on the time I knew him I was blessed. He lit up the room with his natural ambience like few are able to do. His laugh was contagious. I hope his family and son find strength in knowing what a great person he was and share his memories often and laugh at what a goof ball he would be to make anyone feel better or smile. He had such an uplifting personality. I will never forget my friend. R. I. P.

April 3, 2018

Thought of you today. We miss you friend.

Billy Vincent

December 17, 2014

Jonathan....Semper Fidelis brother...Rest in Peace...

April 24, 2014

I miss you
I miss you
I miss you
Now you are with your mom

Our Family Photograph in City Park NOLA

Robby Assaf

January 18, 2014

Amanda & Hartley

January 17, 2014

Amanda & Hartley

January 17, 2014

Sharky!

Amanda & Hartley

January 17, 2014

Amanda & Hartley

January 17, 2014

Amanda & Hartley

January 17, 2014

Amanda & Hartley

January 17, 2014

Amanda & Hartley

January 17, 2014

Amanda & Hartley

January 17, 2014

JOANIE OSHEA

January 16, 2014

MAY GOD BLESS THE ASSAF FAMILY OF THGE LOSS OF DEAR JONATHAN. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. JOANIE & JENNIE FEDERER

Stef McClain

January 10, 2014

Jonathan, you walked into our lives like a tornado and a great tornado you are, you could make everyone laugh and forget their problems. You gave a gift of life Hartley Nash that will alway be a mini you with your creativity, music, you cook better than most top paid chefs. I am so glad you came into our lives and we will have so many wonderful memories with us to hold for the time we knew you! Lifing up those around you I am sure you will continue to lift up everyone from where you are, everytime we hear your music we know you are letting us know your around. much love to your family , Stef and Mike

Amanda & Hartley McClain

January 2, 2014

Dear Jonathan,
I was never good with words, you know that. You always corrected my double negatives. Your face, your humor, your love is with us every day through the eyes of Hartley. He laughs like you! His eyes are so bright and filled with joy. You will truly be missed! I want to be selfish and say just come back, but I know you're in a better place… Heaven! Every time it thunders, I will tell Hart it's Papa playing the drums! I believe that you were my savior, you gave me a miracle, a baby I never thought I could have. Your memories will live on through our son and your family. We love you very much! Please keep an eye on us, keep us safe and always laughing with your silly ways. (p.s. I will make sure to play your type of music for Hart… Ozzy, Ozzy).

To Jonathans Family & Friends – I love you all! Please know that we are here for you anytime! When you need to hear a familiar laugh, or see a silly smile… Just give us a call or send an email. Hartley has some much of Jonathan in him from his spirit to his love for food & music. Jonathan was a wonderful father, friend and teammate. He taught Hart how to build tents, play the drums, they were always cooking something yummy together. Jonathan knew how turn the tears into smiles and bath time into shark attacks! Thank you Assaf family for sharing Jonathan! We will miss him so much, but never forget him!

Lauren Madigan

December 30, 2013

To Alessandra, my dear friend - Jonathan will always be with you . . . always. From all you and everyone has spoken about, he loved deeply and fully and lived his life to the fullest. What a gift to all who knew him. I feel I did know him through you and for that I am so grateful. Thank you for sharing him with me. Sometimes the best go early, deeply sad, but true. We are sisters in grief. I love you so.

December 28, 2013

To the Assaf Family,

May you find comfort in the fond memories that you hold of your dear departed Jonathan. We share your sorrow & send you our heartfelt condolences. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

With sincere sympathy,

James(Issa)& Laila Mashy

linda ochoa

December 28, 2013

My heart and soul go out to the Assaf family,I grew up with all of you. I had just reconnected with Jonathan a few months ago and were excited to have a new Who Dat friend in FL. Our New Orlean roots run deep, I know he was special ,not sure he actually remembered me because he was probably 8 or so last time i saw him during a pool party jamming with the guys ,but he was just happy to know I was from NO,best of memories Hotel California,RIP little bro!!!!!

Dominique Catalano

December 27, 2013

My Jonathan, I will miss your animated stories always. You make me smile. God Bless You.

We were cooking BBQ shrimp this evening!

Molly Anderson

December 27, 2013

Farid & Doris Muna

December 27, 2013

Our heartfelt condolences.
May he rest in eternal peace.

Farid & Doris Muna

Jonathans habitat he loved his mother

Robby Assaf

December 27, 2013

Papa' and Mami Assaf

Robby Assaf

December 27, 2013

City Park 2010

Robby Assaf

December 27, 2013

Sibs 2010 City Park NOLA

Robby Assaf

December 27, 2013

Family d'Assaf 2010

Robby Assaf

December 27, 2013

Jonny J loved his mother

Robby Assaf

December 27, 2013

starry starry night by van gogh

Robby Assaf

December 27, 2013

Astronony Photo December 17, 2013 Geminid Meteors

Robby Assaf

December 27, 2013

Robyn Kirchhoff

December 27, 2013

Rest in peace. You were a force to be reckoned with. You had a sweet heart and I will never forget the laughter and good times we had when we young and wild :) Prayers to the Assaf family.

Ron Calamia

December 27, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Allison Guidry

December 26, 2013

When Jonathan walked into a room, the room got brighter.
Now the world is a little darker.
I will miss him forever.

Anna Maggio

December 26, 2013

We were very sorry to hear the news about Jonathan. We will miss seeing him walking down the street with his wonderful smile and great personality. Our deepest condolences during this difficult time. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Michael, Anna, Chris, Stephen and Nicholas Maggio

Mike Putiak

December 25, 2013

My heart aches for Jonathan's family and those who loved him dearly. My sincere condolences.

Justin Gregoric

December 24, 2013

I have had some of the best times of my life with this gifted, funny and overall great person. My deepest sympathies to the Assaf family.

Kristin Thomas

December 24, 2013

I'm devastated to hear of Jonathan's passing. I've been thinking of him especially over the past few days, remembering the time we spent together last year making tamales at Mario's.

Jonathan was so full of life, humor, and promise. I'm proud to have called him my friend. We last spoke not long before he left for Florida. He told me how determined he was to get there in order to be a father to Hartley. I'm so happy he was able to fulfill that wish, even though it was for a short time. My heart goes to Evie, Roberto, Tiffany, Leo, and the entire Assaf family. I will continue to pray for you during this most difficult time.

Beth Esquerre

December 24, 2013

Robby
So sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. I too lost a sibling this year. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Carissa Kerner

December 24, 2013

My heartfelt sympathy to all in the Assaf family and to all of Jonathan's closest friends.

Gregory Gunter

December 24, 2013

I hold all the Assafs in my heart, even those I've only met a few times, because you come alive in the writing of Alessandra & the tales of Alessi, Ko, Robby, Christopher and Roxanne. It's not fair to any of you that one so young should leave you this way. But it's a testament to your beautiful family that sooooo many hold you in their hearts and held Jonathan in such loving, vibrant, valued esteem. When I think of NOLA, I think of Assaf. And now, she has another angel to watch over her and your whole beautiful, talented, beloved family.

Lisa Daliet

December 24, 2013

Tiffany, my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Melanie Berrigan

December 24, 2013

With deepest sympathy my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Doug Nosacka

December 24, 2013

I wish comforting thoughts and pleasant memories to the Assaf family. I am very sad to hear about the loss of Jonathan. He was a friend, a co- worker,  and a lover of music. I recall listening to hours of old Black Sabbath and late Jimi Hendrix albums on vinyl, over and over. My memories of him are fond. I am thankful to have known him.

Andrew Scorsone

December 24, 2013

Even the arsenal of your vocabulary matched with your talented charisma would fall short in fully describing the unique essence of your being and how much you have meant to us. Love and miss you...

Chris Bell

December 23, 2013

My deepest sympathies go out to Jonathan's family. He was so much more than words could ever fully express. He was a caring man, a man of deep thought and kindness. The last time I saw him was at UNO, just before Hurricane Katrina. My journey took me north, but I had hoped our paths would one day cross again so I could exchange stories and philosophy with Jonathan once more. But now it seems I shall have to wait a little longer. Jonathan, you will be dearly missed by all, including myself.

Rudy Metz

December 23, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the entire Assaf family. God Bless.

December 23, 2013

May the God of comfort be with your family at this time. We know that he will because he cares for you.

L. Green
Marrero

Reese Keller

December 23, 2013

Our heart and prayers go out to the Assaf family. He was a gem that will be deeply missed.
Keller Family

Patrick Craven

December 23, 2013

Very sorry to hear about the loss of Jonathan. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Assaf family at this sad time.

Mike Tebbe

December 23, 2013

My heart goes out to the family. It was too soon. I have more stories than I care to tell hanging out with my buddy Jonathan. Definitely brought excitement and fun into my world every time I saw him. Will miss you, my man! Heaven's got another good drummer!

Lisa

December 23, 2013

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to your family during your time of grief. Please find comfort and hope in God's word the Bible because he is the God of all comfort.

December 23, 2013

Assaf family is in our thoughts and prayers. Another angel shinning down upon us all.
Mark Ruth and famiy.

Amy Valentino

December 23, 2013

Can't stop thinking about connecting with you 2 weeks ago after all the years we hung out together in high school and college. When I think of you I laugh because that is what you did best - make people laugh and smile. We will hang out again on the flip side!

December 23, 2013

Tiffany I am so, so sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs your way.

Kerri duTreil-Indovina

December 22, 2013

Saddened by hearing of Jonathan's passing. I went to St Dominic with him and although we were not close then our paths crossed again while working at La Cuisine restaurant. Got to know him better and became friends. He was a kind and fun person ... never a dull moment. Rest in Peace sweet soul.

Molly Anderson

December 22, 2013

Jonathon and I were friends when I lived in NOLA! I use to ride my bike and he would run alongside me, both of us sweating our tails off. He was very loving, outgoing, obnoxious, and charming all at the same time. One second he could make you laugh, the next you could be in a deep conversation about whatever it was he was dissecting his brain pan about. He was a beautiful person and I will cherish the memories we have together. He was one person that we had to fight to get a word in. Bc we never would be quiet! God will take care of him above. He was a unique special man and I am honored I have known him. Rest in peace my friend.

Camille Assaf

December 22, 2013

Uncle, yet barely older than me, you seemed more like a cousin. A generous, boisterous, hilarious American cousin. There was an appetite for life, joy and sharing evident at all time in the way you smiled, you talked, and you laughed profusely. Very saddened today by the tragedy of your loss, and thinking of your little boy, who will grow up without his dad. REst in peace.

December 21, 2013

Suzanne Kiechle, I met him at his sister Alessandras house where the two of them were cooking a feast. He was very happy to make the presentation of the food a classy event for all of us. He took pride in his work and wanted to please all the guests and of course he did. You can see it in his smile. blessings to all and a safe place in heaven for Jonathan.

I look too ravaged at the moment to use anything BUT my FB pic. <3

Kathleen-Mary Buniff

December 21, 2013

Jonathan has "stepped to the music," leaving a tear in our fabric that can never mended. He was truly that unique! My heart with all the Assafs and the rest of my Family.

Showing 1 - 62 of 62 results

Make a Donation
in Jonathan Assaf's name

Memorial Events
for Jonathan Assaf

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.

Funeral services provided by:

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

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.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jonathan Assaf's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more