Jonathan (Jon) Jay Dubner, age 59, passed away unexpectantly on February 28, 2022. Jon was born on April 2, 1962, in Rochester, NY where he was raised. He later moved to Webster, NY.
Jon held a variety of jobs early in his career, mostly in the service industry, where his welcoming and gregarious personality resulted in countless friends in and around the City of Rochester. Later, Jon settled into a senior accounting position for PathStone, a private, not-for-profit community development and human service organization, where he worked for 23 years. At PathStone, Jon could apply his professional finance and accounting skills within an organization whose purpose he believed in strongly – improving people’s lives.
Indeed, that is what Jon did for everyone he met – he improved their lives. If you were to ask his huge list of friends how they would describe Jon you would hear: “a big man with an even bigger heart, beautiful, kind, warm, loving, funny, passionate, giving, and cheerful”.
Jon wore his heart on his sleeve and everyone he interacted with felt special. He loved music, good food, comedy, and friendships. He was a great cook with a passion for barbeque, a coffee connoisseur, and a lover of animals and birds. He was often referred to as a ‘gentle giant’. He touched so many lives in the Rochester community that Jonathan could not go anywhere without running into someone he knew. He would greet them with a boisterous ‘hello’ and a big hug. Most of all, he loved his wife Joni with all his being. Their love story is one for the ages. Jon’s untimely passing will leave a hole in her heart and the hearts of so many people.
Jon was predeceased by his mother and father Nancy and Hillel Dubner and his older sister Jollene Dubner. Jon is survived by his wife Joni VanDelinder Dubner. He’s also survived by his ‘Baby Sis’ Susan Dubner VanBenschoten, his brother-in-law Wayne VanBenschoten, and his nephew and niece Nathan and Hannah VanBenschoten.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Donations in Jon’s name can be made to Wayne County Humane Society https://waynehumane.org/donate/ or Wild Wings, Inc. https://www.wildwingsinc.com/product-page/donation .
“The greatness of a man is not how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” Bob Marley
Joni, my heart is broken. I’m so saddened by Jon’s passing. I loved him very much. He was such an amazing man, always kind and loving. I’m sad I never made the time to have our steak dinner at your house. I’m sending you love and hugs, I know your heart is broken. You had a love of the ages. You were so lucky to have found each other. If you need to talk or get out of the house please send me a message on messenger.
Thank you Lisa for your kind words.
Joni
Susan and family I am so sorry to hear of Jon’s sudden passing
Sending you prayers and strength during this difficult time
Joni & family, I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Jon’s passing. We attended 24 school & Graduated from Monroe High’s class of 1980. He was a great childhood friend and always had a smile on his face. I know his love for coffee, garbage plates and Jamaica lived large in his sprit and will continue. We will miss your smile Jon and sending hugs to Joni and family during this difficult time. Prayers for all.
John Silvernail
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I do not know what words to write. There aren’t any that will do. Jon was one in a million. Sometimes the world loses one whose sudden absence is felt like a devestating earthquake. Jon’s loss is huge to so many and Joni’s world is upside down right now. Joni the love you have is causing you so much pain because your loss is immense. Lean on all who love you. Call me anytime. I am going through this for 4 years now and maybe I can listen and help.
Sending light & love to you Joni and to all your family & friends who are forever blessed to have shared this life with such a special soul. I never did meet Jon, but I always enjoyed listening to you talk about him and looking at pictures of your many journeys together. May his memory live in the animal spirits with wings.
-Eran Hanlon, Webster, NY
I will really miss you Cuz! I am at a loss for words. Love you man.
There’s little I can still add that hadn’t been said . Jon was the kind of man who made a difference in the right kind of ways . My life was better for knowing him . I’ll really miss you Jon .
Joni – How heartbreaking for you!! I didn’t know Jon very well, but Chris always spoke so highly of him, and I know how much in love you two were. May your life be filled with good memories of him that will bring you comfort and peace.
Jon left an eternal legacy with everyone fortunate enough to have known him. Godspeed Jon.
One day Jon sat at a pizza parlor, eating alone, watching an entertainer make balloon animals, performing magic and paint body art on children and adults. Eventually that entertainer turned her attention to the gentleman and started a conversation that evolved into sharing lots of stories! Meeting you, Joni, completed the picture of who Jon was, you are his other half. Jon will remain in my memories, his smile and easy laugh, his stories and sharing of merriment. Blessings be to you, Joni. May our paths cross again soon for a hug and perhaps a piece of pizza.
Rest well “J-Dub”!
Gentle giant, lay your body down to rest. Know that you have brought sunshine to many. Your presence made the world a much better place. Your legacy will continue to warm our hearts. Thank you for giving so much of yourself for the betterment of others. Peace.
I was shocked and heartbroken to hear the sad news of Jon’s passing. He always had kind words and a big smile for everyone he met. We were planning to have another lunch date soon, but I will miss his smiling face dearly. He was a wonderful human and shining light. Condolences to all his family. May his memory always be a blessing.
Such sad news and I’m so sorry for your loss. Jon was one of the best-hearted people I’ve ever met, there’s a hole in the world now.
I was so heartbroken to hear the sad news about Jon. I had the privilege of working with both of you when you adopted Cindy and Tabitha from the Wayne County Adoption Center in Webster. Every time you subsequently stopped by the center to say “Hi”, I was always left with a feeling of respect, happiness, and love. I also learned the words “patience” from you Joni and remember Jon saying “I think I like these 2 girls” when you chose Tabby and Cindy. You both provided a wonderful life for them, beyond my expectations, and also your continued friendship and support has always been very special to me. Jon always oozed faith and enthusiasm, even during these difficult times, and I always enjoyed to see your loving, fun, relationship. I am so very sorry for your loss – Joni and family – and anything I can do for you – please ask. Judy Coene
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep Jon, family and friends in my prayers
RIP Jon!
I am very sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Jon when I worked at Pathstone.
Although it’s been several years I always knew Jon to be a friendly and helpful guy. Deepest sympathies to the family.
Dear Joni – I met your dear Jon at ny friend Laurie’s shop – Union Coffee Roasters. He was always so kind, knowledgeable and full of life.
My sincere condolences and sympathy to you and your family. May your many memories bring you peace and comfort.
Kindest regards, Betty Jerabeck
This is such a shock to hear. Our lives are such a challenge to navigate. Sometimes though, we cross paths with people who impact our lives. Jon certainly influenced mine. Our connection was roasting coffee. We met many times sharing our craft. I met many good people through him and my life path was made better because of him. I am grateful in the way he took me“in” and made me a friend. A huge loss for us on this side of heaven. I will miss Jon. Much love to his family. I am so sad for this to have happened.
I’m so sad to lose you cousin Jon. You brought joy and light to this world. We miss you greatly. Sending sincere condolences to Joni and Susan.
Jonathan was so friendly and kind. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to Joni and Susan and the rest of the family.