Newton, Jonathan E
Jonathan “Jon” Edward Newton, horticulturist, businessman, accomplished “grizzer”, passed away on Sunday, August 29th, 2021 in Washington State, of what he jokingly called “the woojsh”. He had also been battling COPD and heart issues for a long time. He was 67.
Born in 1953 to Anna “Nancy” Newton née Roser and William Newton in Hartford, CT., he spent his formative years in Rocky Hill, CT. His mother was a wonderful teacher, and his father was a former U.S. Marine and worked in insurance. Jon was an altar boy at St. James Catholic Church in Rocky Hill. He had lots of adventures with his brothers and sister. Being 6'5”, he played basketball at Rocky Hill High School down the street from his home. He played basketball as a Purple Eagle at Niagara University in New York, where he graduated with a degree in Business.
His career as a “grizzer”, or landscaper, started at J. Stedman's Nursery. He launched his first business, TreeHouse Nursery, with his friend Q and wife Carol in Connecticut where a small operation in a shed grew into a 40-acre farm with a fleet of trucks. In Virginia he built Battleview Gardens where he created larger scale designs, including rooftop gardens.
Jon relocated to the Boston area and worked for Barletta Engineering until retirement. If you go to Deer Island, you're walking on his paths. If you see palm trees at Logan Airport, that's him. If you play on the parks and playgrounds covering The Big Dig, he's glad you're enjoying them.
Jon met his future wife, Carol Lucca, in high school. They raised three amazing children together. He taught his children a passion and love of nature, how to drive with just using your thumb, and a strong work ethic. He passed to them the bedtime stories his father told him, “Captain Brown Eyes”.
Jon had many passions, family and friends being foremost. He traveled all over the US and world to visit them, like China, Europe, and South America. He was ever present for weddings, graduations, celebrations, and hard times.
He loved rock and roll and played it loud. The next time we hear a song by the Allman Brothers Band, we will remember him.
He is survived by his children Abigail, Seth and his wife Kimberly, Megghan and her husband Tim; his ex-wife Carol; his grandchildren Amy Kate, Stacia, and Samuel; his siblings Timothy and wife Sue, Andrew and wife Alice, Jeffrey and partner Linda, Barbara and husband Howard, and Donald; his sister-in-law Mira; his nieces Nicole, Cassandra, Leah, Jocelyn, Laura, Emily N., Vera, Jennifer, Amber, Julie, Emily L.; his nephews Jordan, Douglas, Jeremy and Christopher; his close friends Dennis, Q, Kevin and Sue, Terry, Joann, and many, many others. He is predeceased by his beloved parents and his beloved brother, Michael.
In keeping with Jon's giving spirit, his remains will be donated to science in lieu of a funeral. His ashes will be spread at a later time. As an act in his memory, please take some time to sit under a tree. Celebration of Life services will be held in 2022.
Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries