John Michael Tonra

West Point, 1989

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Nimish Shah on September 30, 2025:

Eulogy for John By Nimish Shah John and I met at Columbia Business School, where we were part of a six-person cohort in the Executive MBA program. We spent nearly two years together, grinding through coursework, late night assignments, and team projects. John was a wonderful teammate, a natural leader, and above all, a true gentleman compassionate, considerate, and deeply committed to those around him. His passing was a complete shock, and it's still hard to believe he's no longer with us. So many of us from Columbia have fond memories of John, his sharp intellect, his deep sense of spirituality, and his warm generosity. Beyond our time in school, many of us remained close. For years, we celebrated Christmas with John's family gatherings that were full of laughter, thoughtful conversation, and kindness that always reflected who John was at his core. He was a deeply family oriented and faith-driven individual, someone who inspired those around him with both his discipline and his heart. I am truly saddened by this loss, but I find comfort knowing that John lives on in our memories in the bonds we shared and the many lives he touched. May God give strength and peace to his family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed. With heartfelt sympathy, Nimish Shah

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