1948
Michael
2020
Michael O. Jones
October 13, 1948 — June 12, 2020
Michael was born on October 13, 1948 in Albany, NY. He grew up in Delmar, in the house built by his father, joined the Navy after high school, and after being honorably discharged, went on to earn an Associate's degree from SUNY Cobleskill and a BS in Business Administration from New England College in 1973. He settled in Poestenkill, NY with wife, Mary Ann Matthews Jones where they raised their two children before he returned to Delmar. He spent the past decade at the Vermont Veteran's Home where many staff became extended family.
He had a passion for long drives through the green hills of upstate New York, people-watching from the Marriot Marquis in Times Square, and sitting by the ocean on the coast of Maine. His sense of adventure took him to Alaska as a young man where he worked a number of odd jobs to support his traveling. He loved to talk with people from all walks of life and had a penchant for remembering their names and stories. In turn, he added these names and stories to his prayer list and didn't hesitate to share with those he met his strong faith in God. These skills were honed during his many years as a salesperson and 14 years as a cab driver at the Albany airport. Through the physical struggles of his final years enduring Parkinson's Disease, he persistently embraced optimism and built community. Before moving to the Vet's home, he could often be found chatting with folks around Albany at the Capital City Rescue Mission, the truck stop, the VA Hospital or the Seafarer's Mission. He was a member of the Brunswick Church for 45 years and, above all else, a constant cheerleader and an ardent supporter of his children's aspirations and endeavors.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence S. Jones, and his mother, Esther Farrell Jones. He is remembered with love by his two children Stephanie Jones Gromek (Jay Gromek) and Brandon Jones (Frances Outlaw); his grandchildren, Caleb and Eliza Jones and Nate and Talia Gromek; and by his ex-wife Mary Ann Matthews Jones.
A memorial service will be held later in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Capital City Rescue Mission where Mike volunteered regularly when he was able and The Friends of the Vermont Veteran's Home.
City Rescue Mission: capitalcityrescuemission.org
Friends of the Vermont Veteran's Home: http://friendsofthevermontveteranshome.org
Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael O. Jones, please visit our flower store.
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