Howard A. Jonas

Howard A. Jonas, 85, of Saegertown, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born March 23, 1935 in Erie, a son of Joseph and Jeanne Sawdy Jonas.  He married Christine Miller May 29, 1983.

Howard was a 1953 graduate of Fairview High School.  A heavy equipment operator, he was a 63 year member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 66 where he served as the former business agent.

Howard was a member of the Pioneer Gas and Steam Engine Society, Saegertown.  He enjoyed running any type of equipment but especially John Deere, welding as he could make anything, cutting wood and being with nature.  Howard was the neighborhood handyman and the “go to guy.”  An avid Euchre player, you couldn’t be a Jonas without playing the game.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Chris, include four children, Dean Jonas (Paula) of Saegertown, Steve Jonas (Renee) of Saegertown, Pamela Dietrich (Richard) of Saegertown, and Renee Love of Meadville; eight grandchildren who were affectionately referred to as “the heathens”; three sisters, Marilyn Diehl, Deanna Klein of Fairview, and Jackie Gresh of Fairview; a brother, Kenneth Jonas (Nancy) of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Barbusca and a grandson, Lucas Charles Jonas.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, December 22nd from 12 to 2 p.m. at the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE where the funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Jim Gibson, Pastor of First Christian Church, officiating.  The wearing of masks is required.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice, 1119 Park Ave., #7, Meadville, PA 16335 or the Pioneer Gas and Steam Engine Society, 16601 State Hwy 198, Saegertown, PA 16433.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.