In Memory of Robert Arthur Jones

Obituary

Robert Arthur Jones was born in Utica, on May 12, 1924, the day after Mother’s Day. He died on May 15, 2023, the day after Mother’s Day. “Bob” lived his entire life in the Utica area, except for his time serving in the Navy during World War II. He graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1941. He worked for the New York Telephone Company from a few weeks after his discharge until he took early retirement at the age of 57. Retirement gave him the opportunity to pursue more fully his first loves: music and his Welsh heritage. In the 1950’s he was a member of “The Corsairs,” a male quartet which was very popular in upstate NY, and even appeared on the Arthur Godfrey Radio Show, his generation’s equivalent of “America’s Got Talent.” He was much in demand as a tenor soloist for many local musical programs, weddings, etc. He founded and directed the local St. David’s Welsh Choir, Cor Dewi Sant. He conducted many Welsh hymn festivals throughout Central NY and in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Minnesota. For over 60 years, he anchored the choir’s tenor section at the New Hartford Presbyterian Church, which he also served as an Elder, Deacon and Trustee. He was president of the local St. David’s Society and for a short time served on the Board of Trustees of the national society. He devoted years to the restoration of the old Welsh church in Remsen. And he represented the Welsh people when Utica held its “Festival of Nations.”

In 1945, Bob married his high school friend and piano accompanist, Jeanne M. Jones “Best $2 investment I ever made,” he said. Jeanne passed away May 21, 2022. (He was also predeceased by his parents, Robert & Margaret Jones, his brother, Dewi (Hilda) and his sister, Gwladys.) He is survived by their children: David (Susan), Ellen Hargrave (Steven), Karen May (David), and Liz Burns (Iain); seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Also surviving him are a devoted niece and nephew in California: Nancy Murren and Stephen Jones.

A memorial service will be held at the New Hartford Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 19, at 11:00 am. There are no calling hours. The family will greet friends following the service.

Those who would like to make a contribution in Bob’s memory are asked to consider the church’s Music Fund or the St. David’s Society Scholarship Fund.

Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford