Special Tribute: Jon Box
Jon Box
-written by Nat Richmond
Obituary | Erie Times News
Jonathan David Rabuy Tan, age 44, of Erie, Pennsylvania passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at UPMC Hamot following a long and courageous battle with congestive heart failure. David was born on April 5th, 1978 in Manila, Philippines. David, or DJ to his schoolmates, went to De La Salle Zobel where he was raised as a good La Sallian. He formed lifelong strong friendships and wonderful memories playing as the school DJ for school fairs and their go-to illustrator for everything that needed his talent for art. In his 20’s, David was proud to join the US Army and serve his country.
He was a Veteran from the 25th Infantry Division who relished his time with his military friends in Oahu, HI. Unfortunately, his time in Japan caused him injuries that forced him to retire earlier than he had originally planned. David aka “Jon Box” literally colored the streets of Erie through his murals, noteworthy support for the local hip hop culture, strong dedication to his co-small business owners and artists, and his remarkable co-ownership of the ErieStrong trademark. In 2012, he opened “The Box” with his business partner Dom Atkinson and RosBox with Doc Proto. Taking his love of art and designer toys to the next level in 2021, he started BoxeeToys that were well received at the Los Angeles toy convention. God knowing exactly what would complete his life on Earth, David met his wife, Makayla, the person who gave him unconditional love and an abundance of laughter and care. They got married on April 6th, 2018 and spent six loving years together. They made the most of the given time just enjoying each other's company and driving from the East Coast to the West Coast with their loyal pet, Piggie Smalls.
Jon is survived by his wife, Makayla Tan of Erie, Pennsylvania; his mother, Maribel Tan of Manila, Philippines; his brother, John Derrick (Marie) Tan of San Francisco, California; his two sisters, Joanne Tan-Casem (Charles), and Joyce O’Shea (Sean) of San Francisco, California; his niece, Daniela Jean, and nephew, Liam Maxwell, who he enjoyed passing on his art skills to. He is further survived by his many Titos and Titas, cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as three godchildren, Morganna Gregory, Tatum Mattocks, and Gabriel Gregory, who he loved as if they were his own. Jon is preceded in death by his grandparents, Morita and Francisco Rabuy, his Tito Eddie, and his younger cousins, Cindy and Zoe. We would like to thank Askins Cremation Funeral Services for handling arrangements as the family is working together to fulfill his multiple wishes. Celebrations of life will be held in multiple cities. Please see the schedule as follows: Erie, PA - February 24th, 2023 from 7PM - 9PM at the City Gallery, 1503 State Street, Erie, PA; Pleasanton, CA - February 19th from 4PM - 7PM at Good Morning Maxwell Pleasanton, 90 Mission Drive Suite 6, Pleasanton CA; Manila, Philippines - TBD: Oahu, Hawaii – TBD.
