The son of Louise Austin of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and the late Avel
Austin, Jonathan was born in New York City. After attending Bronx High
School of Science, he earned a bachelor's degree from Reed College and a
master's in urban planning from San Jose State University. He worked for
the City of Oakland, Credo, Jubilee West and Affordable Housing Associates.
As principal of his own business, JSA Consulting Services, he helped
develop Crossroads, the first new construction green homeless shelter in
the U.S. His first job, at age 9, was on the second season of "Sesame
Street." Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, Mary Mazzocco;
daughter Alleana; brother Benjamin (Elisabeth Stock) of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.;
niece Amelia and nephew Jacob; aunt Brenda Strauss of North Salem, N.Y.,
and numerous cousins. Burial service is 2 p.m. Friday at Home of Eternity
Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Alameda County Food Bank,
East Oakland Community Project or Temple Sinai.