Jonathan de Sola Mendes
Honor Code SignatorySigned 21 Oct 2020 | 130 contributions | 5 thank-yous | 395 connections
Signed 21 Oct 2020 | 130 contributions | 5 thank-yous | 395 connections
Col. Jonathan de Sola Mendes aka Mendes
Born 1920s.
Ancestors 
Son of Henry de Sola Mendes
and Babette Reinhardt
Brother of
Estelle (de Sola Mendes) Reiner, Suzanne (de Sola Mendes) Kragen and [private sister (1920s - unknown)]
[children unknown]
Profile last modified
| Created 16 Dec 2017
This page has been accessed 652 times.
Biography
"I have an attitude of gratitude all day long." -- 1/25/15, expressing appreciation for his good health and rich experiences he has had throughout his long life.
Jonathan de Sola Mendes was born in New Rochelle, New York, and raised by two wonderful parents, Henry and Babette de Sola Mendes. In his youth, he participated in a host of school and outdoor activities, which included earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts.
While he was at Dartmouth College, World War II broke out and Jonathan enlisted along with his classmates, flying over 100 air missions as a Marine Corps aviator in the VMSB-151 squadron in the Central Pacific. When the Korean War began, Jon was called up again, serving this time with the VMF-311 squadron in Pohang, Korea, where he flew some 70 missions, including the last mission of the Korean War. In recognition of his bravery and dedication, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1953.
In his civilian life, Jon earned an MBA at Harvard Business School and worked as a financial consultant in the field of mergers and acquisitions. Most importantly, he had the good fortune of meeting his wife, Mary Ellen, a talented artist, and starting a family.
At age 46, Jon discovered running thanks to a neighbor who would knock on his door each morning to go for a jog. Jon has completed 16 New York City Marathons, including his latest one at age 96, becoming the all-time oldest finisher of that race. He is also the oldest all-time finisher of the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC.
Jon has been running (and now walking) in Central Park for some 50 years, where he has made many, many friends. In appreciation for the pleasure Central Park has given him, he spent many years cleaning some of the water fountains on his route during weekends (as was described in this nice news article).
These days, he is focused is on motivating others to live healthy lives, always having goals. Following his own example, he makes a big salad and fruit salad for the coming week that he eats daily.
In 2012, New York State inducted Jon into its Veterans Hall of Fame. In 2017, Jon was the featured speaker at The Jewish Center's Memorial Day event honoring the nation's soldiers. In 2018, Jon was invited to read George Washington's letter to the Jews of Newport at an annual event of the Touro Synagogue. Also in 2018, the NY-NJ Chapter of the U.S. Naval Order interviewed Jon about his experiences.
Jon is a retired member of the Board of Trustees of Congregation Shearith Israel -- the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in New York City, where he served with devotion for many years.
Sources
- First-hand information. Entered by family.
Only the Trusted List can access the following:
- Jonathan's formal name
- nicknames
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- personal memories about Jonathan (1)
- images (5)
- private siblings' names
- spouse's name and marriage information
Featured Auto Racers: Jonathan is 29 degrees from Jack Brabham, 21 degrees from Rudolf Caracciola, 25 degrees from Louis Chevrolet, 27 degrees from Dale Earnhardt, 41 degrees from Juan Manuel Fangio, 24 degrees from Betty Haig, 28 degrees from Arie Luyendyk, 22 degrees from Bruce McLaren, 27 degrees from Wendell Scott, 28 degrees from Kat Teasdale, 26 degrees from Dick Trickle and 31 degrees from Maurice Trintignant on our single family tree. Login to see how you relate to 33 million family members.
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