BELFAST — Jonas A. Ireland Sr., a devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, went on to be with the Lord on Sept. 5, 2014. He was born in Westfield on Feb. 22, 1950, as the fifth child to Kathleen and Clarence "Don" Ireland.

As a young boy he moved to Bristol, Conn., with his older brother, Wallace, his middle sister, Marie, and his younger brother, Don, while two of his sisters, Madeline and Pauline, resided with the Williams.

While growing up at Aunt Gladys and Uncle Jap's house, the children attended Fall Mountain School until it closed and they went to school at the Clara T. O'Connell School, where Jonas got involved in swimming. After graduating eighth-grade, Jonas attended Bristol Central High School, but did not graduate as he decided to join the Job Corps in 1967 to learn carpentry. He later discovered that they offered baking and so he decided to switch and learn the baking trade. While in the Job Corps, Jonas attended a hospitality trip to Washington, D.C., which allowed him to see the White House, Capital Building, Supreme Court, museums and the Arlington National Cemetery.

After graduating from the Job Corps with his trade in baking, he went to work for the Harvest Bakery in Bristol, Conn. During that time, he also assisted at a home for teens directed by Frank Papa in 1968. Jonas later enrolled in the U.S. Marine Corps and completed boot camp plus basic training. Later, while at his permanent duty station, Jonas became disabled and was granted an honorable discharge on Feb. 23, 1970. He later graduated from Belfast Area High School.

Jonas was predeceased by his parents. Clarence "Don" Ireland and Kathleen (Bear) Ireland; as well as his grandson, DarTagnan Chambers. Jonas is survived by his beautiful wife of 26 years, Alice Faye Ireland of Belfast; his daughter, Angela Dawn Ireland of Belfast; his daughter, Kayleen Ann Ireland of Belfast; his daughter, Annie Dawn Ireland of Belfast; his son, Jonas A. Ireland Jr. and his wife, Katie Ireland, of Augusta; his sister, Madeline Ireland of Buxton; his sister, Pauline Wiley of Searsport; his sister, Marie Bragdon of Searsport; his brother, Wallace Ireland of Winslow; his brother, Donald Ireland of Waterville; his half-sister, Gloria Johnston; his half-sister, Annie Mullen; his half-sister, Barbara Johnston of Texas; his half-brother, Ralph Johnston; his half-brother, Calvin Johnston; his half-brother, Edward Johnston; five granddaughters; two grandsons; his great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Jonas also has many special friends from Brooks Pentecostal Church and other churches. A few of special mention close to him include Alva Philbrook, Tim Merry, and Bill and Helen Redding; the rest know who they are.

The Rev. Matt Shaw will lead a graveside service Friday, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. at Grove Cemetery in Belfast.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations can be made to Togus VA Hospital Hospice Unit or Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.