Richard L. Jones

Richard L. “Dick” Jones, age 81, of Cheshire entered into rest on Friday, January 21, 2022 at MidState Medical Center in Meriden. He was the devoted husband of Mary J. “Mary Jo” Jones for over 59 years. Richard was born on May 7, 1940 in Weymouth, MA, son of the late Frank and Christine (Blair) Jones and has been a Cheshire resident for over 30 years.

Dick earned his AS from UMASS in Animal Science and served his country with honor and pride with the US Navy as a jet mechanic during Vietnam. He soon met the ‘love of his life’, Mary Jo and they resided in San Diego. Following his service, Mary Jo and Dick spent 16 years in Arkansas, where he attended Arkansas State University and earned his BS in Agriculture and MS in Education. He was a revered teacher in Arkansas and following the move back to New England, served as a Department Head for the Southington Regional Agricultural Program for many years until his retirement.

His passion was horses, having owned and cared for his own since he was in high school. Later, Dick was a successful contender in many horse carriage driving competitions. He also became a USEF steward.

Dick is survived by his many loving and cherished nieces and nephews; his brothers-in-law, Peter (Shirley) Hanlon of Scituate, MA, John (Alice) Hanlon of Medway, MA, and Thomas Hanlon of Vero Beach, FL; and his sister-in-law, Patricia (Dean) Souke of Weymouth, MA and sister-in-law Rita Jones of Old Lyme, CT. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Jones; his sisters, Florence Coughlin and Silvia Wilson and his brother-in-law, William Hanlon.

Friends may greet Dick’s family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 So. Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410 on Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 12PM until 2PM. His funeral service will follow at 2PM at the funeral home. Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Southington, CT 06489-1058. To leave online condolences for his family or to view his tribute video, please visit www.fordfh.com