Jonas Makauskis
An American Story
By Grace Yonchak (great-granddaughter), as told by Dana Yonchak (granddaughter)
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Jonas Makauskis is not a well-known name. Yet, his contributions to Lithuania, the United States, and the world are not easily forgotten.
Practicing as a pharmacist in Kaunas, Lithuania, he was respects and relied upon by his community. Much like a doctor or surgeon in the United States, Lithuanian Pharmacists held responsibility in healthcare and their knowledge in their fields is immense. From 1918-1944, he accomplished feats like establishing various medical centers, leading his own pharmacy, and serving as the Director of the Pharmaceutical Directorate of the Board of Health.
In a different area of his life, Makauskis was also a renowned (and active) humanitarian/political figure from 1912-1944. He held titles including Activist of the Lithuanian Democratic Party, Representative of the Constituent Seimas, and Second Secretary of the Presidium of the First Seimas. The latter 2 were elected positions to Lithuanian Parliament, where he fought to retain Lithuania's peace and sovereignty.
Ultimately driven out of his country by Soviet armies seizing Kaunas in 1944, Jonas Makauskis found himself displaced from his home and his family for a few years before arriving in the States in 1951. He lived first in Massachusetts, then moved back to New York, and finally settled in New Jersey. Working as a janitor at a local elementary school, his former titles were no more--yet, he held no grudges against the country that took him in. Grateful to have a home safe from political prosecution, Jonas was content with whatever life he could create for his family.
He continued his activity in the United States, connecting with various heritage and political activism groups. He never let go of his past; rather, he "closed that chapter of his life to start a new one" living in the United States. His, and his family's, humility, loyalty, and bravery show people how they can embrace devastating change and turn it into a real life. Now, his legacy lives on through photo and paper documentation, and by way of stories told to each generation of his descendants.