PORTLAND – Jonas Smith, 87, longtime resident of Portland, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2018.
Jonas was born in Portsmouth, N.H. on Oct. 29, 1930. At a young age, he worked selling papers and shining shoes using a shoe shine kit that he constructed. Later on he worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard cleaning submarine ballast tanks.
He moved to Portland in 1956 with his wife and opened Mr. Jonas Hairstylist. Jonas worked tirelessly as a lifetime member and member of the board for Shaarey Tphiloh Synagogue. He also was a life member of the Portland Elks Club and was the original drummer in the State Street Traditional Jazz Band. He enjoyed jazz music, ice cream and telling stories. Most of all, Jonas was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Survived by his loving wife, Lorraine Smith; daughters and sons-in-laws Ellen and Howard Forman and Hildy and Richard Dunham; five grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.
A very special thank you to 75 State Street and VNA Hospice. The family is so grateful for the loving care our Dad received.
A memorial service will be Friday, August 31, at 10 a.m. at The Jewish Funeral Home, 471 Deering Ave., Portland.
Donations may be made to:
Shaarey Tphiloh Synogogue or:
75 State Street or:
VNA Home Health and Hospice