Feb. 12, 2011 Staff Report
Rabbi Jonas Javna, who lived on 47th street in Sunnyside Gardens, died last week after a battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 86.
Javna was buried at Salem Fields Cemetery in Brooklyn. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, children, and grandchildren.
Javna was the president of the 108 Police Community Council for five years and began a civilian patrol, known for its outreach to all ethnic groups.
“We still miss their wonderful singing to the seniors in our Annual Valentine¹s event,” said Joanne Billharz of the former Kiwanian.
Javna worked at the La Puma Opera Company as lead vocalist (third from left) in many productions. He served in the Army, and was cantor at Manhattan’s Temple Israel. He met his wife, also an opera singer, when he held an open audition at Temple Israel. After Jonas retired from there, he became actively involved in community service in Sunnyside.
