Robert “Bob” C. Jones, F.D., West Scranton, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma surrounded by his loving family. His wife of 56 years is the former Genevieve “Genie” (Talarico) Jones.
Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late of Emrys Jones and Ruth Hubbard Jones and was a graduate of West Scranton High School in 1958. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served active duty on the USS Chilton, APA -38, and an additional four years of Naval Reserve service in Philadelphia, PA. Following his active duty military service, he earned an Accounting Associates Degrees from Lackawanna College in 1962 and another Associates Degree in Mortuary Science in 1964 from the McAllister School of Embalming.
He became a licensed Funeral Director in 1966, entering into business with his father at Davies and Jones Funeral Chapel, Inc. where he remained for 42 years until 2008. After a brief retirement, he joined the Vanston and James and James Wilson Funeral Homes where he served as the General Manager of the funeral homes.
Robert was an active member and past president of many civic organizations in the community, including both the Lackawanna County and Pennsylvania State Funeral Director’s Association, the St. David’s Society, the Lions Club of Scranton and other civic organizations. He was a 50+ year member and Past Master of Union Lodge, #291, Free and Accepted Masons, Scranton, PA. He was particularly proud of being a member and elder of Covenant Presbyterian Church and the USS Chilton Association.
Bob was an avid Yankees fan, loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed hosting holidays, summer picnics and pool parties at his home with family and friends. While humble of his own civic activities, he took pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments. He was a true professional throughout his 55+ years as a funeral director in Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, serving thousands of families with compassion and understanding.
He is also survived by his children Alyssa Jones, Scranton, Daniel Jones and wife Jennifer, Covington Twp., and Pamela Trovato and husband John, Morristown, NJ; his beloved grandchildren, Ava Rose Jones, Scranton, Harlie and Jolienne Jones, Covington Twp., and Elio and Luca Trovato, Morristown, NJ; his sister, Beverly Casey, Goose Creek, SC; brothers in law Thomas and August Talarico and their families; several cousins and nephews; numerous colleagues and friends.
Bob was also preceded in death by his brother in law Thomas Casey; mother in law Rose Talarico; sister in law Connie Talarico.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23rd at Noon in the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 550 Madison Ave, Scranton. Masonic Funeral Services will be held prior to the beginning of the religious service.
Friends may call at the church on Saturday morning from 11am until the commencement of services.
Interment, Private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in honor of Robert may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 William St., Dunmore, PA 18510, http://www.hospicesacredheart.org/
To share a memory or to express your condolences to the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton, PA.
Bill Wagner
To Bob’s family
Thank you for sharing an amazing and kind man with the rest of us. I will forever treasure our friendship during the years we worked together. RIP my friend. Until we meet again.
Frank Koczwara
Dear Jones Family:
Jill and I would like to express our deepest condolences on Bob’s passing. Bob was indeed a
nice and easy going person and a true gentleman. We hope you all find peace, love and comfort among family and friends during these sad and trying times. May he rest in peace in God’s hands
and above all cherish his memory.
Jill & Frank Koczwara, Greenwood, SC & Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (Canada)
Pat Jones
God bless the Jones family! Bob was a great guy, Jack respected Bob very much!
Diane Ferrerio
My sincere condolences on the passing of Bob. I have known him for seventy-six years. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Mari and Steve Michaels
God bless. Peace and love to your family.
Ted and Carole Hale
Genie, Carole and I just found out about Bob’s passing. We go way back to the days when we were members of the Washburn Street Presbyterian Church, and the days when Bob and I went to LJC. Bob will be missed by all of the Hales family, and by the many thousands he served as an owner and Director/GM of other funeral homes. You are with the Lord my friend, rest in peace.
Joanne Demuth-Davis
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Bob.
We were very sorry to hear about his passing.
Always there when you need him.
Great Guy.
Susie and Bo McHugh
Genie, Allyssa, Ava and family,
We are so sorry to see of the passing of Bob. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Ted and Wendy Evans
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Genie and her children. Bob was such a kind and gentle man. He was a great family man. They’ve been our next door neighbors for 33 enjoyable years. When Bob and Ted were young they grew up as neighbors on Academy St. in Scranton. They’ve known each other most of their lives.
We always enjoyed listening to Bob’s music on Saturday afternoon when he was on his back porch or in his swimming pool. It was a pleasure to know him and he will be missed. We know he is without pain and in a better place.
Mary jo White
Dear Genie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. He was a very special man. He will be missed. My prayers are with you.
Joe and Carol Galdieri
Bob was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Always so kind,friendly and cheerful. He will be greatly missed.our deepest sympathy to his family. It was a pleasure to have known him.
Lee and Mary Demuth
Genie and Family,
We are so sorry about Bob. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Lee and Mary Demuth + Sons
Joe Scotchlas
To Bob’s Family,
I had the pleasure to know and work with him a few times over the past several years. He was very kind, caring and a true professional.
Christopher J. Calvey
Deepest condolences to the family. Unfortunately we have another service at this time otherwise we would be there in person. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Best, The Calveys
Ann M Mellert
My sincere sympathies go to Genie and your childrn. Bob was a wonderful man, one of a kind. I was blessed to have known him. He was such a comfort to me and my family when my husband passed.
He will surely be missed by many. God bless all of you. Bob is at peace and watching over us now.
John V. Morris III
May you rest in the peace, hope and joy of the Risen Christ, Mr. Jones. You were one of the first “associates” my dad introduced me to at a state convention when I was young. Being your neighbor just to the south in Luzerne County, our paths crossed on several occasions. You were always friendly, approachable and gracious. I thank you for your friendship.
If you happen to bump into my dad and grandparents up there, give them my love as I am doing what I can to fill their shoes. Peace to your family….
Donna Mackey
I am recovering from back surgery and my heart is broken that I was not able to attend Bob’s service. Does anyone know what cemetery he was laid to rest? Holding the family up in prayer.