Hans Jonas
December 25, 1926 - May 1, 2026

HANS JONAS: Was born on December 25, 1926, in Vienna, Austria to Sabina and Hermann Jonas. He came to Pittsburgh in the winter of 1939 with his mother and sister, Valerie. Later that year, when his father joined them, Jonas Studio was established with the financial assistance from The Hebrew Free Loan Association. As a third-generation portrait photographer, Jonas spent his life documenting Pittsburgh's society with grace and distinction. In May of 1967, he was enrolled as a Fellow in The Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, and joined the Kodak Pro Team in the 1990s. He found great joy in sharing his knowledge and passion with others while practicing his craft for nearly 80 years. On May 1, 2026, as per his wishes, Jonas peacefully passed away in his home. Beloved spouse of the late June Jonas. Loving father of Carol (Gene Monesi) Jonas, Marla Jonas, and Amy (Tim Platt) Jonas. Cherished grandfather of Julie Frye (Cameron), Jack Mangurten, Leo Berzon. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 2 PM. Visitation one hour prior to service (1 PM - 2 PM). Interment B'nai Israel Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Hebrew Free Loan Association (hflapgh.org) .www.schugar.com

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Marla -- Please accept my condolences -- my visits with Hans last year with Seniors Helping Seniors were thoroughly delightful, and he was an inspiration. May he rest in peace.

By Jane Jessell - May 11, 2026

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So sorry to hear of Hans' passing. He photographed me as a young child and I was even in his magazine. He is the last of my dad's good friends and will be missed! Rest in peace, Hansel!(as my dad, Sam Spatter, called you) Love, Susie

By Sue Spatter Breitenbach - May 09, 2026

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Hello Marla & Amy: Condolences on the loss of your father. I just learned of his passing today. Hans was the true incarnation of a “Mensch.” May his memory be a blessing. Soo sorry, Nat

By Nat Cohen - May 08, 2026

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This is sad news. Hans Jonas did my mother’s bridal photos. He photographed my parents’ wedding. He did my Dad’s portraits for the dust jackets of his novels. He was a lovely man, a talented photographer, and an absolute icon in Pittsburgh’s Jewish community. He will be deeply missed.

By Hope Anne Nathan - May 08, 2026

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Hans was one of our family\'s oldest and dearest friends. He captured our family through his pictures beginning in the 1950\'s! He was very good friends with my grandparents, Tom and Sugar, and my parents, Mort and Alice. He photographed my entire childhood! A wonderful man who helped make many memories last forever. May his memory--and his countless photographs--always bring joy and laughter to all who knew him!

By Alan Silverblatt - May 08, 2026

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To my Jonas Family cousins... After an incredibly long and fulfilling life, at age 99 years young I thought you might live forever. Not only were you a fabulous Uncle in so many ways, you were the family patriarch. I have so many anecdotes to share, but I remember two in particular. When I was taking German I would often practice talking to you in German and you'd always say "that's very good Lee and then tell me "kiss mir tuchas...did they teach that?" We were having Seder at your home and I was chanting the Kaddish. After the Seder went on for 10 minutes, our father Jordan said "all right, Lee, that's enough, let's eat." Unabashedly, in my defense, you said "that's enough Jordan, he worked hard on this, let him finish." It was one of the few times that you didn't hear a peep out of him for the rest of the meal. My brother Alan and I wanted to die laughing out loud but somehow we managed to control ourselves. Uncle Hans, you were never afraid to say what you were thinking and how you were feeling...even during your last few days, I heard you said "F U" to your legs when they wouldn't cooperate. Had I been there I'd have peed my pants. Thankyou for all the love you showed me over the years and for making me copies of important family photos. I will never forget you.

By Lee Lilienthal, Nephew - May 07, 2026

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Rest in peace, Hans 🙏 May your wonderful legacy live on for generations to come ♥️

By Mike Steinberg - May 07, 2026

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So sorry for your deep loss.

By SANDY Davis - May 05, 2026

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May his memory be a blessing.

By Karen Burge - May 05, 2026

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oh my ..I'm so very sorry for your loss.. what an wonderful life Hans lived. He was an amazing photographer, friend and legend in my life growing up in Pgh. He was quite sweet and so very kind. A very close friend of our family, I cant remember how many times he photographed us. he will be missed. May his memory be a blessing, Susie Rosenberg

By Susie Rosenberg - May 05, 2026

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For many years Hans was a good friend with my Sam. Hans is the last of the gang that hung out together in”the good old days”. I will miss his stories and comments. A very good soul indeed. Sara Spatter

By Sara Spatter - May 04, 2026

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Dearest Marla, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Your father was such a dignified man. We love you!

By Dr. & Mrs. Wade - May 04, 2026

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Hans Jonas was a remarkable man and an artist in his profession. He was one of the sweetest individuals I have known. May his memory be a blessing.

By Ken Karsh - May 04, 2026

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To the Jonas family, Please accept my deepest condolences. Hans was loved by everyone. I will always remember his great sense of humor and class. Always class! With love, Fred Pakler

By Fred Pakler - May 03, 2026

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So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to your family. Let us know if you need anything. Andrea & Family

By Andrea Kostak & Family - May 03, 2026

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Hans Jonas was a remarkable man and an artist in his profession. He was one of the sweetest individuals I have known. May his memory be a blessing.

By Ken Karsh - May 03, 2026

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Jonas Family, Our Condolences and Love to your family. I have Awesome memories growing up with the Jonas’s. From family vacations, holiday get togethers to helping Hans on weekends at photography shoots when he hurt his back. He was a talented artist and gentleman who will always be remembered. Hans and June were the Best!

By Jeff Pakler - May 03, 2026

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Marla Im so very sorry for the loss of this beautiful soul. He was always there when I was going through my journey with my mom and was an honor to be there for his. I will always remember him. I love you both. Im always here if you need mlto talk. Kim

By Kim McKenzie - May 03, 2026

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Hans was a special person. Yes, his photography was extraordinary and we are blessed to have our wedding album. However, it was his devotion to family, friends and community that put him with the best of the best. I loved seeing him at CDS events when Leo was there and he never failed to ask about the family. You were blessed to have him as a father and grandfather. May his memory be for a blessing and soul make an Aliyah.

By Dana and Alan Himmel - May 03, 2026

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A nice gentleman and well respected in his business. My sincere condolences to you, Marla.

By Erik Wagner - May 02, 2026

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