Gregory Dean Jones

Gregory Jones is a beloved father, brother, son, and friend but the role he cherished most was gramps. Gregory passed away on September 27, 2023, at the age of 72. He was born in Omaha, NE (Go Big Red), in 1951, and spent his childhood playing with sticks in alleys. He ran cross country in high school and always enjoyed the outdoors and hiking.

Greg met his wife, Cathy, at the wedding of his sister, Pat, to her brother, Gary (gotta love the Midwest). They enjoyed 39 years of marriage and had 4 children. His work in data analysis and software development took him from Omaha to Louisville, KY and then on to Connecticut, where he settled the family in the quaint New England town of Chester. 

Outside of work, he was a scout leader for both of his sons. He also enjoyed helping with concessions at Xavier High School, for the basketball games. Note - none of his kids played basketball! He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph's Church for many years. Greg eventually took on a part-time "job" at the Chester Package Store, as a way to get out of the house! He loved his time at the store and that is where he really developed a love for craft beers, good whiskeys, and even grappa, which he would even try to infuse with his own flavors. Greg became a beloved fixture in the community in his roles over the years in the Chester Rotary Club, where he most recently served as president.

After Cathy was diagnosed with ALS, they took some of her bucket list trips to Italy and Ireland. And that was when he got the traveling bug. He went on to visit Ireland 3 more times, and we think that makes him an honorary Irishman. He spent his winters in Tucson, AZ, and always enjoyed the driving routes his son, Jeremy, detailed for them. These trips brought them through many different US states and to many weird and unusual sights. His love of the outdoors never went away, and he spent most of his time in Tucson hiking and sightseeing. This past June, Greg was able to take another bucket list trip to Iceland, and despite his many complaints, most of his family tagged along. He had already been planning his next big trip to Alaska to see the northern lights, a trip that others will now need to take in his honor.

He enjoyed the local music scene and often spent late nights out, enjoying classic rock and Irish music. In fact, Greg had a more active social life and nightlife than his children. He was fortunate to see some of the artists he loved when he was young like Peter Noone, Don McLean, Felix and the Cavaliers, and even Peter & Paul (no Mary). His guilty pleasure was Weird AL, which always made for a good song category during family game nights.

While Greg would not always admit it, he cherished the times he spent with his family. He especially loved family games nights and losing many dollars in Contract Rummy. He is survived by his children, Jeremy Jones of Tucson, AZ; Melinda Brainerd (Jones) and husband Jim Brainerd of Cromwell, CT; Josh Jones and wife Christine Jones of East Hartford, CT; Angela Jones of Manchester, CT; his sister Pat DeVeney of Omaha, NE; his brother Jeff Jones of Townsend, GA; many nieces and nephews whom he loved sharing a blue tasty with; countless friends; and the two true loves of his life, his granddaughters, Ava Brainerd and Lily Jones. He is predeceased by both his parents, Carroll and Rose Jones, his brothers Gary and David Jones, and his wife Cathy Jones.

Calling hours will be held Friday, October 6th from 4:00-6:00 PM, with a short service at 6:00 PM, at Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell, CT. In lieu of flowers, we know that Greg would prefer to see donations made to the ALS Association of CT, an organization his family has long supported in memory of Cathy. (https://alsact.org/)  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com

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