Donald E. "Don" Jones

1930 - 2025

Donald "Don" E. Jones

Rochester, VT - Donald "Don" E. Jones, 94, died peacefully on September 8th, 2025, at Menig Nursing Home.

Don was born on November 20, 1930, in Rochester, VT, the son of Arthur and Lillian (Harvey) Jones.

Don was a lifelong Rochester resident and an active member of the community. He graduated from Rochester High School, class of 1948. Don attended Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA, and graduated from Lyndon State College, class of 1952. Don married the love of his life, Joyce Severy, in Rochester on August 2nd 1952. He served in the US Army, 101st Airborne, during the Korean War.

After completing his military service, Don began his teaching career. He did his graduate studies at UVM and received a master's degree in education administration from the University of Connecticut. He worked as a teacher, principal, and administrator in Shelburn and South Royalton, VT. After a long and successful career in education he retired from the Orange-Windsor Supervisory Union as the superintendent in 1982.

Although Don was technically retired, he still kept an active lifestyle, he switched up careers by joining the Century 21 Mill Stone Agency. He was also a member of various organizations, Rochester Planning Commission, Gifford Medical Center board of directors, and the Central Vermont Board of Realtors. When Don wasn't busy working or attending meetings of his various affiliations, he enjoyed spending time with Joyce, his boys, and grandchildren. Don took great pride in his collection of restored antique tractors and hay loader.

Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Joyce Jones of Rochester, VT; sons Brian (Cynthia) Jones of South Royalton, VT, and Bruce (Doreen) Jones of Rochester, VT; 5 grandchildren, Tyler (Holly) Jones of Harrisburg, NC, Morgan (Andrew) Nida of Reidsville, NC, Kyle (Katherine Ma) Jones of Sunnyvale, CA, Kathleen (Johnathan) Abreu-Jones of NYC, and Emily Jones (Jason Lamphere) of Seattle, WA; and by 4 great-grandchildren, Madelyn Jones, Lyla Jones, Riley Jones, all from Harrisburg, NC, and Kaia Jones of Sunnyvale, CA.

He was predeceased by both parents and brother Harvey Jones of Essex Jct., VT.

Don's family would like to thank the medical teams at the VA in both White River Jct. and Rutland. The care and comfort Don received at Menig Nursing Home was exemplary, special thanks to the entire staff.

A family graveside ceremony will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Rochester.

Arrangements are under the direction of Day Funeral Home.