Ronald E. Jones

Ronald E. "Ron" Jones , Frackville, passed away Monday evening at Broad Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Frackville, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Fountain Springs, June 18, 1932, he was the son of the late Samuel and Lillie (Williams) Jones. He was a 1951 graduate of the former Frackville High School and a lifelong resident of Frackville.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. No matter what Ron did in life, foremost to him was his devotion to his faith through the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Blessed Mother and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Father James A. Hogan Council 2580, Frackville, Schuylkill Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Frackville American Legion Post 398, former vice president of Frackville Borough Council, former member and treasurer of UNICO National and its Schuylkill Valley concert and marching band, American Society of Military Comptrollers, American Federation of Musicians, the Welsh Society of Philadelphia, and retired Sergeant Major in the Finance Corps of the US Army Reserves.

Ron was employed by the Federal Government at Fort Indiantown Gap for 35 years. He served as a budget/management analyst for the Army Corps of Engineers and was also the deputy finance and accounting officer. Most notably for this position, he was appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury and the Treasurer of the United States.

He was a well known musician in the local area performing with the Eddie and Tony Karpee bands, the Joe Minarchick Orchestra, the Skyliners, and the UNICO concert and marching bands to name a few. While also being part of the orchestras' of Mel Torme, Frank Sinatra Jr and Italian singer Sergio Franchi, when they performed in the Pocono's during the 1970s.

Ron was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War, serving with the 5th Infantry Division and the 5th Division Band. He served in France with the 76th US Army Band in Paris and Orleans, France. He often reminisced of performing on the Cliffs of Normandy on the 10th anniversary ceremony of the D-Day Invasion and also performing numerous times at the US Embassy in Paris and playing and marching in a 90 piece band on the Champs Elysees and through the Arc de Triomphe on the 10th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris in 1954.

Ron was adept on the clarinet, saxophone and flute. He was also a Phillies fan and an aficionado of baseball and World War II. However, his family was the most important part of his life, most especially the love he gave to his wife, son and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his three brothers: Harry, Robert and Roy Jones and a sister Elizabeth Hopkins.

Surviving is the love of his life, Jeanne (Sarra) Jones, Frackville, to whom he was married 60 years; a loving son Brad and his wife Kathleen (Lombardo) Jones, Mountain Top and two beloved grandchildren: Samantha "Sami" and Chase. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a sincere thank you to all the nurses and staff at Broad Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Frackville, especially the staff on the second floor east. We are very thankful for your sincerity, compassion and devotion. You are the greatest, along with Life Choice Hospice.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. from St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Frackville with Rev. Robert T. Finlan, pastor, as the celebrant. Interment will take place at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville on Tuesday at 1 p.m. Friends may call at the church on Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. until time of mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions be made in Ron's name to Life Choice Hospice at www.lifechoicehospice.com or by calling 1-800-557-7570