Reflections

I lived with Jon his senior year (my sophmore year) of college. 6 of us lived in the house - Jon, Stu, Andy, Dan, Chris and myself - the 3 seniors - Jon, Stu and Andy - and the 3 sophmores - Dan, Chris and I. We really didn't know them well, nor they us, but it seemed like a good match given everyone's need for roommates and the fact that we were all pretty laid back guys. The situation worked out great. Jon in particular had such a way about him that made it seem like we had lived together forever after just a few weeks. His kind, gentle, happy nature went a long way to making that big West Philly row house full of college guys on a shady (and not because of the trees) 4100 block of Sansom St a real home. Some of us were tidier than others in the house - and I'll just say John wasn't on the tidier end of the spectrum. He was perhaps most renowned for his creativity on those days that we ran out of toilet paper - I guess that was the engineer in him. Of course those are the kinds of things you remember most vividly about college. When I told my sister that Jon had passed, she was deeply hurt. She remembers him well from the conversations they had when she would call me and he would answer. His sincerity and kindness came through so clearly even on the phone.

Since the days we lived together, over 20 years ago, Jon and I stayed in touch, though inconsistenly - a visit here, a phone call there, an e-mail at those milestone moments in our lives. Each time we connected the bond felt as strong as ever. Jon will always be dear to me and my heart goes out to all who he has touched.