Jonathan Newman died on Sept. 5.

He was born on Sept. 15, 1949 in Mount Kisco, N.Y, the oldest of Ruth Brodkin Newman and Dr. Nathan Newman’s four children. His parents resided in Katonah, N.Y for over 60 years. Jon graduated from John Jay High School, and attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering and computer systems engineering. He was active in Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, president of the ski club and the amateur radio association. Jon and Nancy met on a blind date in 1970, introduced by a fraternity brother. Unfortunately, their ski date ended when Jon’s friend broke his leg on the first run. All did work out happily, however and Jon proposed to Nancy on the Vineyard and was married in Oct. 1971. They celebrated almost 47 years together.

Following graduation, Jon went to work for I.B.M and never left. He began his career designing computer chips. He later explored a variety of opportunities within I.B.M. He continued his education at night, earned two master’s degrees and got little sleep. He moved into sales and became a branch manager, always eager to learn more and enjoy the challenges of his career. He concluded his career as vice president of Business Development Software Group. He enjoyed his 35-year tenure with I.B.M. and appreciated the opportunities to evolve, advance and make meaningful contributions to technology.

Above all, Jon enjoyed time spent with family, playing games and watching his four grandchildren having fun together. Camping, hiking, skiing and sailing as a family were important to him. Many summer vacations were spent cruising New England aboard Langeline. Living aboard Langeline for 15 months in 2011 and 2012 was his and his wife’s greatest adventure. Jon navigated and together they put 40,000 miles under the keel, traversing the coast of Nova Scotia to the southern Bahamas and back. Many more adventures followed.

Jon’s Vineyard story began with his proposal to Nancy by the shore of Sengekontacket. They built their own home in Waterview Farm in 1983 and in 2009 became full time wash-ashores. Jon loved the relaxed Vineyard pace, the beach, shellfishing in Sengekontacket, relaxing with friends and hiking Island trails. He never tired of the seasonal changes and the natural beauty surrounding him each day. The water fascinated him, the wind energized him and the sunrise inspired him. Martha’s Vineyard will always be his home.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Newman of Oak Bluffs, sons Todd Newman of Encinitas, Calif. and Erik Newman of Hopkinton, N.H., daughters in law, Heather and Laura, and grandchildren, Charlie and George, Alice and Reid. Ruth Brodkin Newman, his mother and his sister, Sue Newman of Ithaca N.Y., brothers George Newman of Basalt, Colo. and Bob Newman of Placerville, Colo., their wives Liz and Chris, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. A memorial service to celebrate his life is planned for Friday, Oct. 26 at noon at the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club in Edgartown. Memorial donations in his name can be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.