Jonathan Slater

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on May 24, 1939, Mr. Slater was the twelfth direct descendent with that same name, but the first born in the United States with his ancestors having been born in England. He was a graduate of Union High School, during which time he was a star pitcher on their baseball team. After graduating, Mr. Slater entered military service with the U. S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge in March of 1962. During his tenure there, Mr. Slater entertained the troops primarily in Germany pitching for the Army’s baseball league. He was actively being recruited by several major league baseball teams prior to a career ending injury during the latter stages of his Army tenure.

After his service, Mr. Slater had a successful career in sales, including many years working with a French-based steel company, which afforded him the opportunity to enjoy a company-paid business trip to their corporate offices in Paris. After retirement, he continued to serve others as a driver for a medical transport company, in Clinton, New Jersey, where he had moved after reconnecting with a high school girlfriend he had dated prior to meeting his wife.

More than any of his professional or career achievements, Mr. Slater was a very generous and loving family man. His greatest pride was certainly his family, and he ceaselessly provided support, encouragement, and compassion to loved ones. He was able to spend his final years in Tampa near his son’s family, thus getting to also enjoy time with his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Those that knew him during the years he lived in Tampa were inspired by his unselfish willingness to open his home to support his son’s family and provide housing for his teenage grandsons.

Mr. Slater is predeceased by his father and mother, Jonathan and Agnes, his sister Dianne Jocelyn, and his beloved wife, Barbara. He is survived by his son Jonathan, daughter-in law Lysa, grandsons Jonathan (Jack) and Ian, granddaughter Jayne, and several cousins.

As great as his love for his family, so was his love for Jesus. An avid student of the Bible, Mr. Slater was an active Christian throughout his adult life, principally attending the Church of the Brethren in New Jersey. He was also a frequent visitor of many other churches, most notably Idlewild Baptist Church where, during his final years in Tampa, he made many new cherished friends.

A memorial service will be held for Mr. Slater on Wednesday, July 29 at 11:00am at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd, Lutz, FL, in the Fireside Room. There will be signage directing people to parking for that entrance. A graveside service will be scheduled at Restland Memorial Park at 77 Deforest Ave, East Hanover, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to a wounded veteran charity of the provider’s choice.