Richard Jones

Richard W. Jones (Dick), a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, August 27th, at the age of 97. Dick was born in Medford in 1928, the son of Guy and Ruth (Workman) Jones. He grew up in Medford before moving to Belmont, where he graduated High School with the Class of 46. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Tufts University, and later became a licensed Professional Engineer. He worked as an engineer in Sturbridge for 5 years with C.P.C. Engineering Corp until he was drafted into the US Army. Dick was a Welding Research Engineer in the Metals Fabrication branch of the US Army Ordinance Corps, Watertown Arsenal Laboratory. After three years in the army, he joined the General Electric Medium Steam Turbine Department in Lynn, MA, where he held positions as Foreman of General Fabrications, Supervisor of Operations Planning and Time Standards, Engineer of Mechanical Facilities, Manager of Large Generator and Gear Fabrications, and finally Senior Manufacturing Engineer in the Advance Manufacturing Engineering Section of the Naval & Drive Turbine Systems Department, before retiring in 1989. He was a life-member and active leader in the American Welding Society, and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society for Metals. He remained active with the GE Old Timers Club after his retirement.

In 1952, Dick met M. Jeanne Rouillard, who quickly became his best friend, soulmate and wife of 53 years. They were married at St. Paul's Parish in Malden in June of 1953, initially living in Malden before settling in Melrose in 1962. Before they were married, the indomitable couple found a parcel of land with a beautiful sandy beach on Little Sebago Lake in Maine, realizing their shared dream of owning a summer place. Over the years they built their "camp" together, with their own hands, and expanded their family to 5. They ran a tight family ship until Jeanne's passing in 2007.

Dick had many interests including carpentry, boat building, waterskiing, and sailing. He was an amateur Pharologist, accumulating a vast knowledge of the lighthouses of the world, often regaling audiences with slideshow presentations on his research. He ran a wooden replica ship and toy boat business, Seacoast Replicas, out of his basement workshop. His replicas were sought after up and down the New England seacoast. Dick was also an active member of his community. He served as a Management Advisor for the Junior Achievement Program in Lynn for 12 years, impacting the lives of many young people by supporting the development of their business and entrepreneurial skills. Dick and Jeane were lifelong members of St. Paul's Parish in Malden, with Dick serving in many roles including many years as Head Usher.

In Dick's final year, he moved to The Osher Inn, an Assisted Living community at The Cedars in Portland, Maine. He became a staff favorite and was well known for his ubiquitous red cowboy hat. In his final days, he spoke of how fortunate he felt for being so well cared for. The family expresses their sincere gratitude for the care, support and love that he received there.

Dick is survived by his children, Richard B. Jones and his wife Susan of Hudson, NH, Pamela J. Foshay and her husband Bruce of Raymond, ME, and A. Ted Jones and his wife Elizabeth of Winthrop, MA, his grandchildren, Jennifer, Lauren, Bethany, Andrew, Victoria, Matthew, Haley, and Ella, and his great grandchildren, Brayden, Fate, Chase, Charlie, and Neve. In addition to his wife Jeanne, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert A. Jones of Boothbay, ME.

Visitation will be held at the Weir Mac Cuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem St, Malden on Friday, September 5th, from 4 – 8 PM.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Parish, The Episcopal Church in Malden, 26 Washington Street, Malden, MA on Saturday, September 6th, at 10 am. A reception at Anthony's, 105 Canal St., Malden, MA, will immediately follow the service. Committal will be private.

To help us celebrate Dick's memory, guests attending the wake and funeral are invited to wear a pop of red, his signature color.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick's name to St. Paul's Restoration Fund, 26 Washington St, Malden, MA 02148.