Jay Burton Israel, 90 years of age, died Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the Kathleen Daniel Health Care Center, Framingham, MA, after a period of failing health. He was the son of the late Carl and Celia (Stutz) Israel, and was brought up in Willimantic. He was predeceased by his dear friend Lillian Ginsburg. He is survived by his brother, William Israel of Norwalk. Jay was known for his complete devotion to education. He worked for years as teacher, counselor and administrator. He attended Willimantic State Teachers College prior to enlisting in the US Coast Guard. Following his military service he enrolled at Boston University where he earned both a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Education. He later earned another Masters Degree and then a Doctorate at Columbia Teachers College. Throughout his career he worked at various schools in CT and NY State. He devoted several years to the C.E.T.A. program in Norwalk. He also served as a school principal in the Virgin Islands. He was known for his diligence, outgoing personality and his generosity. Jay exhibited these qualities during his productive retirement, serving the VITA (Volunteer for Income Tax Assistance Program) and volunteering for the Master Gardener Program at the University of CT. He also served several years as a volunteer for Israel. He was awarded a certificate for having donated 100 pints of blood to the Red Cross. Always of a giving nature he enjoyed sharing the fruits of his Willimantic garden, his pride and joy. Jay was a life member of Phi Delta Kappa and was a member of Temple B’nai Israel in Willimantic. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July11, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Temple B’nai Israel Cemetery, Perkins Corner, Mansfield. Memorial donations may be made to Temple B’nai Israel, 345 Jackson St., PO Box 61, Willimantic, CT 06226. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Jay, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.