Jonas Harding, Jr., age 90, passed away on January 15, 2024, at his home in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania.

Jonas was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, on November 1, 1933, the younger of two sons of the Reverend Jonas H. Harding, Sr., and Rosa Lee Harding (nee Coleman). The family lived in St. Petersburg, Florida, before settling in Philadelphia in 1941.

Jonas attended Philadelphia public schools and graduated from Central High School, where he was a member of the gymnastic team, played varsity football and excelled in track and field. Jonas attended Temple University on an athletic scholarship where he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity

on June 23, 1952, and was a Life Member.

He graduated in 1960 with a Bachelors of Health and Physical Education.

Later he earned a Masters in Urban Education from Antioch University.

Jonas was a veteran and served in the Army at Fort Bragg in the 82nd airborne division as a paratrooper.

 He was a trailblazer in gymnastics, being one of the early African Americans to compete and coach in Philadelphia. A standout at Central High and Temple University, in 1966 he was selected to coach the USA National gymnastics team that toured thirteen countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East under the sponsorship of the state department.

He made an indelible mark as the head coach in track and field

and gymnastics at Overbrook High School. From 1969 to 1976, Jonas led the track and field team, securing an outstanding record of seven Public League championships and seven city titles, finishing with an impressive 88-1 record.

Throughout his career, Jonas nurtured exceptional talents  including* gymnast Mark Cuyjet, who led Overbrook to a Public League gymnastic championship in 1972. His impact extended to athletes like Paul Jordan and Jason Grimes, achieving remarkable feats in triple jump and long jump, with Jordan making it to the 1980 Olympic team.

(*many who advanced to olympic status.)

Jonas's coaching legacy continued, working with Overbrook sprinter Jon Drummond, who won silver in the 1996 Olympics and gold in 2000 as a relay team member.

In 1991, Jonas retired from the school system but continued to serve as a master official for the Penn Relays and trained new officials in the field. He also served as an official for the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association.  Even at eighty-eight, Jonas remained active as the starter for the Delco Senior games in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

While attending Central, Jonas met his lifelong love, Lorraine Ruth Gaskins in their South Philadelphia neighborhood. They married in 1953 and were blessed to be together for 67-years. Jonas and Lorraine had two children: Linda born in 1954, and Janice, born in 1959.

Jonas and Lorraine were passionate about creating enjoyable family moments. Jonas, affectionately calling his family "his girls", he actively participated in activities like kite flying with them. Driven by the belief that positive experiences shape one's character significantly, Jonas frequently exposed his family to a variety of activities. These included ice skating, bowling, auctions, sports meets, visits to museums, and attendance at New York Theatre performances.

An ardent fisherman, Jonas along with his brother Jonathan frequently organized family deep-sea fishing trips off Fortesque, NJ. Traditionally, weeklong summer vacations became a cherished custom, initially in Wildwood, later in Martha’s Vineyard, and then the Outer Banks.

Jonas was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Harding and brother Jonathan Harding. He is survived by daughter, Linda Harding-Bond (Norm); Janice Masud-Paul (Chris); grandchildren Jonas Masud and Zuri Masud (Peter); great-grandchild Olani Harding Kinney; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and friends.

 Donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.