Richard Jones Obituary

Jones, Richard P.

Middletown, RI: Richard (Dick) P. Jones, 90, of 600 Valley Road, Middletown, RI, died on Saturday, January 7, 2012, at the John Clarke Nursing Home. Born in Port Dickinson, NY on April 9, 1921, he was the son of the late Frederick and Harriett (Matson) Jones. He settled and raised his family in Port Crane, NY. He was predeceased by his ex-wife Theresa (Terry) Jones, the mother of his six children. He is survived by his sister Carol Owen of Acworth, GA, and his children, Patricia Louise Eustice (husband Gary) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Sandra Lynn Gifford (husband Paul) of Saratoga, CA, Richard Wayne Jones (wife Annie) of Newport, RI, Valerie Rae Jones of Pompano Beach, FL, Dawn Marie Jones of Endwell, NY, Stephen Alan Jones of Henderson, NV. Richard also left behind nine grandchildren. Dick served in the United States Army Air Corp and Air Force Reserves 1942-1951 reaching the rank of Corporal. He attended Syracuse University to study mathematics and engineering. Richard then began a long career with IBM working in various roles related to manufacturing and quality. His natural inclination was to help people in need, and in his retirement, he was a dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels for over twenty years. In his youth, he was starting varsity quarterback for the North High Indians football team in Binghamton, NY and played basketball in the Army and softball in adult leagues. He was an avid bowler and collected several trophies. He was a loyal NY Yankee fan from an early age and throughout his life. He was musically inclined and enjoyed singing, playing his harmonica, and listening to big band music. Before moving to Middletown, RI, he was a resident of Castle Gardens Retirement Community in Vestal and a member of the Johnson City Baptist Church in NY. A graveside memorial service will be held at the Chenango Valley Cemetery, 120 Nowlan Road, Hillcrest, on April 10th, at 10AM. Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.