Obituary of Robert Thomas Jones
Robert “Bob/Bobby” Thomas Jones was born on July 3, 1942, in Rome, N.Y., and succumbed on November 9, 2023, after valiantly struggling to overcome the effects of immunotherapy infusion received to combat lung cancer.
Bob and Carol née Fitsik celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on October 10, 2023. They were high school sweethearts, meeting on a prom double date.
Bob worked for United Parcel Service for 33 years; initially in Utica as a mechanic and then transferred to Syracuse where he worked in the automotive department and building maintenance. Affectionally called “Jonesy,” he was a highly valued member of the team until his retirement at age 55. During his time there, Bob was recognized by his coworkers as the mentor of the Plant Engineering Department. Upon his retirement, Bob operated RT Sawing where he logged, cut, and milled trees located on his 20-plus acre wood lot.
A lover of all things wood, Bob built the family home outside of Central Square, N.Y., and a cottage on Wolfe Island, Ontario, Canada. Both homes were “magically” structured and designed with cabinets, tables, and clocks by this intrinsically gifted engineering genius.
Bob never outgrew his love of trains, both model and rail. Many a vacation was spent touring railroad museums. The search was always on for trains, trams, and trolleys in Europe, Australia, or Asia.
Of most importance, Bob was devoted to his family. Every waking moment they never left his mind; whatever he could do for them was of utmost importance. He had many friends and was loyal, steadfast, and trusting. One could always query Bob about any problem, and he would provide a solution, always taking the time out of his “project” day. He was a parishioner of Divine Mercy Parish in Central Square.
Bob is predeceased by his parents Mary née Stacy Jones and Thomas Briggs Jones. Bob is lovingly survived by his wife Carol, his daughters, Laura Renée of Virginia Beach, Va., Stacy Danielle of Grand Junction, Colo.; his son, Thomas Paul of West Monroe, N.Y., his grandsons, Shaun and Seth, and his great-grandsons, Owen and Mason, his sister Virginia (Richard) Bronson of Rome, his brother-in-law, Paul Fitsik Jr. (Maryanne) of Rome; his nephews, Daniel Bronson and Paul Fitsik III, and his niece, Kelly Anne Corradino, many cousins, numerous friends, and extended family: Marissa, Wendy, Kim, and Hannah.
Visitation will be at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut St., Rome on November 16, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be on November 17, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish, Central Square, N.Y., followed by interment at Rome City Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Golisano Children’s Hospital, One Children’s Circle, Syracuse, N.Y., 13210, or to the United Cerebral Palsy Association, 1603 Court St., Syracuse, N.Y. 13208. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Chris Stoetzel, who spent three weeks prior to Bob’s hospitalization, helping complete some of Bob’s unfinished projects. A special thank you to the nursing staff on 8F at Upstate University Hospital who cared for Bob, especially Cole, Brandon, and Ahmed.
Please offer online condolences or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.