GILFORD --- Jonathan Michael Magdziasz passed away peacefully, at the age of 53, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following a courageous battle with glioblastoma. He was affectionately known as Jon, Big Jon, or Jonny.
Jonathan was born in Manchester, NH, on August 18, 1973, to Steven and Nancy (Lautenberger) Magdziasz.
Jon grew up in Bedford, NH, enjoying an amazing childhood filled with surfing, skiing, skateboarding, BMX biking, and playing sports with his older brother, Jeff, and neighborhood friends. His strong work ethic began at a young age, and he was able to buy his first car at just 15 years old. He often spent time at his grandparents’ cottages on Paugus Bay, one of which was affectionately nicknamed “Bay’s End.”
Jon graduated from West High School in Manchester in 1991. The summer after graduation, he grew an astonishing six inches, reaching an impressive height of 6’10”. He went on to attend both Plymouth State College and the University of New Hampshire. After college, he worked as a bouncer and bartender at various bars in Manchester, where he befriended the up-and-coming band Godsmack. Jon loved sharing stories about the band and remained a devoted fan until the very end, even encouraging his nurses to give their music a listen.
Jon went on to build a 33-year career with the United States Postal Service, working as a letter carrier, supervisor, and postmaster. He was loved by the customers on his route and respected and appreciated by his fellow letter carriers. Jon took great pride in his work and made it a priority to ensure his customers felt cared for. He never left until his route was complete.
The lake always called Jon back. In the summer of 2003, while out boating, he met the love of his life, Portia, who was working as a beach bar waitress at the Naswa. Jon insisted on sitting in her section every weekend, and their love story began. They were married in July 2007 on a gorgeous summer day at “Bay’s End.”
They began their life together in Manchester, where they renovated their first home with the help of family and friends. Jon was a mailman, and Portia was a teacher. Their family began to grow in 2009 when they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Natalee, followed by their handsome son, Henry, in 2011. Jon became what he was always meant to be: a loving, involved, protective, supportive, and amazing father.
In the spring of 2012, the lake called Jon and his growing family back, and they settled in Gilford. Jon loved all New England sports, but his favorite games were always the ones his children played in. He could be found coaching youth sports throughout the seasons, from baseball and basketball to hockey and soccer, and proudly cheering from the sidelines at volleyball games. He was the king of Fantasy Football and looked forward to hosting a draft party each year.
Jon was a man of many hobbies and projects. He was always working on cars, fixing up boats or snowmobiles, tackling projects around the house, or simply enjoying time on the dock with his family. Whether he was working on a project or relaxing by the lake, Jon was happiest when he had something to do and the people he loved nearby.
Jon was a lovable big guy with a witty sense of humor. He was larger than life, with an even bigger heart. He always looked out for those around him, whether it was someone in need of assistance along his mail route, a tiny dog being offered up “free,” or a stranded boat in the middle of the lake. Jon never hesitated to stop and help. He had a special place in his heart for the underdogs and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed one.
That was simply who Jon was. He was born with a generous heart, a willingness to help others, and a love for the people and world around him. His larger-than-life presence, quick wit, unwavering devotion to his family, and kindness toward others made him truly one of a kind. He will be remembered for the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.
Jon is survived by his loving wife, Portia Magdziasz; daughter, Natalee Magdziasz; son, Henry Magdziasz; parents, Steven and Nancy Magdziasz, of Meredith; brother, Jeffrey (Jessica) Magdziasz, of Dunbarton; parents-in-law, Louis and Diane Ricciardiello, of Gilford; sisters-in-law, Kelly (Kyle) Przekaza and Stevie (Jason) Larrere, of Gilford; nephews, Alex and Mikey Magdziasz; nieces, Quinn and Penny Larrere, and Kennedy and Kollins Przekaza; aunts, Karen Pow and Judy Lautenberger; and cousins, Scott, Amy, Jackson, Rowan, Theo, and Sawyer Pow; Debra Pow and Korey Haggerty; Sonia and Rob Cryan; and Coby and Riley Goodwin. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Cody, Barney, and Rocky.
Jon was predeceased by his grandparents, John and Helen Lautenberger, and Henry and Jenny Magdziasz; his uncle, Cliffy Pow; and his brother-in-law, Mark Goodwin, who passed away exactly 13 years to the day before Jon.
Finally, Jon will be reunited with his beloved dogs, Pedro and Teddy, who were surely waiting to welcome him home.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 8, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Gunstock Resort’s Barrel Bar & Grille in Gilford, NH.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations in Jonathan’s name to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or the New Hampshire Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.