Maurice Washington Jontow's Obituary
Maurice Washington Jontow Maurice Jontow, 98, died peacefully beside his daughter Lori at her home in Tucson on Friday, October 5, 2012 (19 Tishri 5773). He leaves his brother Irving Jontow, son Robert Jontow and his wife Sylvia Jontow, daughters Arline Schlossberg, Felice Bonhard, Lori Rice and her husband Gregory Rice, nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was born in New York City on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1914 (18 Shevat 5674) to parents David and Molly Jontow. He would often tell people that he was born on "Lover's Day", and that this accounted for his loving heart and charming personality. Maurice spent his early years in New York City. In 1929 he left high school to work with his father in the family garment business. He met his wife Rachel in 1935 and they were married in November 1936. As a young man, Maurice served in the Army Reserves. He grew to become a successful businessman, and his women's clothing factory, Rabner and Jontow, flourished. He was a compassionate and fair leader to his employees. He shared his business acumen as a member of the board of education in West Orange, New Jersey. He was a charming and charismatic man, and was considered to be loyal friend by many. He was a passionate outdoorsman, and enjoyed living as a cowboy, a hunter, a fisherman and a world traveler. He was a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a grandfather and a great-grandfather. He was proud to have a large extended family, and corresponded often with many of them. Maurice retired at age 50 and spent many years traveling across the country and around the world. He spent much of his time at his home in San Carlos, Mexico and in Arizona where his children lived. After many years of traveling, Maurice eventually settled in Tucson where he spent the last several years of his life. While in Tucson, Maurice served for thirty years as a board member for The Fenster School. He was an avid golfer and made many friends during his time as a member of Ventana Canyon Country Club in Tucson. Maurice enjoyed the many activities in his life, but most of all Maurice cared about his family and friends and enjoyed conversing and offering advice to everyone, as long as they asked. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
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