Shrewsbury – George Jonaitis Jr. of Shrewsbury, died Friday, Oct. 10, 2014. He was 89.
Born Feb. 18, 1925 in Worcester, he was the son of the late George and Augustina (Elinskas) Jonaitis. He was a graduate of North High School and the New England School of Accounting. He married Bette C. Sterner June 17, 1950. They had been Shrewsbury residents ever since.
George honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II, serving in Company A on the 607th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He was honored with the Purple Heart.
He was the co-founder of Lundgren and Jonaitis Dairy, located at 237 Main St. in Shrewsbury. He operated the business for over 50 years before retiring. Shortly after retirement, he worked as a sales representative for his son Gary at his business, Cream Crock Distributors in Sterling.
He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton. He was also a member of the Shrewsbury Kiwanis Club. He will forever be remembered for his selfless love and devotion to his family.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, Bette, he leaves his children, George Jonaitis III of Newbury, Suzanne Durkin and her husband Joseph of Northborough, Gary Jonaitis and his wife Laura of Holden, and Joanne Jonaitis and her husband Paul Pazareskis of Northborough; his sister, Alfina “Fi” Lundgren of Shrewsbury; his grandchildren, Kelli Hartley and her husband Robert, Brittany Jonaitis, Jesse and Jason Rives, Gregory and Amanda Jonaitis, Molly Jonaitis-Pazareskis, and Madison Yu-Bin Pazareskis; two great-grandchildren, Ava and Ella Hartley; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Ann Turnblom, Helen Keddy, and Isabelle Jonaitis.
George’s family will honor and remember his life by gathering privately at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors – The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common. The Rev. Clifford Gerber will officiate. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of MA, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.
