Obituary: Jonathan Cory Reina, Jr.
Jonathan Cory Reina, Jr. passed away peacefully in his home on August 22, 2020. On August 7, 2001, Jonathan was born in New Brunswick at St. Peter's Hospital to parents Tysheka Schenck (Naim Myers) a loving step-father and Jonathan Reina Sr. (Lakeya Daniel) a loving step-mother.
In addition to his parents and step-parents, Jonathan is survived on his maternal side, grandmother, Tanya Schenck-Turner; siblings, Tyell Williams, Jayceon Myers, Azari'-Espree Myers; aunt, Taylor Hudson; great-grandmother, Betty Lawrence; and special great uncle, Todd Vandervoort, and on his paternal side by his brother, Michael Ira Reina; grandmother, Julia Reina; grandfather, Michael A. Reina; uncle, Michael N. Reina; aunt, Leanne Reina-Paolazzi (Thomas); cousin, Juliana Paolazzi, and great-grandmothers, Lillian Glazer and Michele Reina. He also leaves behind his long term and beloved girlfriend Annaka Ahle.
Jonathan brought joy to his family from the day he was born. He was tremendously loved by his whole family. Jonathan was extraordinary in every way. He was an intelligent child and often impressed people with his extensive vocabulary, even as a toddler. His teachers were always impressed by his writing and math abilities. He was extremely musical and was an accomplished piano player at a young age after taking lessons from his grandmother. He won multiple piano competitions as a young child. Jonathan was involved in many other activities such as gymnastics and Tae Kwon Do, eventually earning his 3rd-degree blackbelt. Jonathan received a decree from the Mayor of Somerville for winning the gold medal at the Tae Kwon Do US Open in Denver, Colorado.
As a child, his life was enriched by many great experiences with both sides of his family. Jonathan went to many museums, amusement parks, zoos, trips to NYC, and being a young Beatle fan even got to see Paul McCartney in concert. He enjoyed good food and went on a tour of Philadelphia with his grandfather to find the best cheesesteak. He always looked forward to time at the Point Pleasant Beach House, where he loved diving in the waves with his father and Uncle Karl and later with his girlfriend. He also enjoyed spending time at his "MeMa's house."
Jonathan was affectionately known as "Jon Jon, Jonny, Jay" or "Big Bro," (as his little brother, Michael, called him) will always be remembered as kind-hearted and his distinct and calm personality. He had a great sense of humor and often joked around with his loving father and loved their time together with the family on Davenport Street.
Jonathan had many positive experiences outside of school with his family and with his girlfriend, Annaka. In many ways, Jonathan and Annaka were like a loving, old married couple, often spending time watching The Office and Pawnstars. They recently went parasailing together in Point Pleasant. Throughout his personal ups and downs, Jonathan loved his little siblings and cousin. He played with them often and made them feel special. He also excelled at his job at Target, where he was employed for almost two years. He only recently took a leave of absence due to the COVID 19 restrictions. Jonathan loved his friends. They describe him as someone who was easy to get along with and someone who cared about everyone else. Jonathan enjoyed life and wanted to follow his own path.
Jonathan recently graduated from Somerville High School. He was enrolled in classes at Raritan Valley Community College for September. His bashful smile and big heart will be missed by all but never forgotten.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Jonathan Reina Jr., please visit our floral store.