Albert Clayton Jones, 98 of Fairhaven passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021 in Brandon Woods of New Bedford. He was the husband of the late Marjorie E. (Light) Jones, his war bride, with whom he had shared 75 years of marriage.
Born in Everett, MA, he was eldest son of the late Harold M. and Marion (Kelley) Jones. Albert was an honor student at Everett High School, class of 1941 where he also played football; he graduated as class Valedictorian. After high school, he enrolled at Tufts College to pursue a course of pre-med studies towards his ambition to become a doctor. He left Tufts in September 1942 to volunteer to enlist in the Navy V-5 program to train as a Naval Aviator. He was assigned active duty as a pilot aboard the Fanshaw Bay, an aircraft carrier and sister ship to the Gambier Bay, part of the same task force hit at Leyte Gulf. He served honorably attaining rank of LT (JG) and was discharged from the Navy in December 1945.
Following the war, he returned to Tufts, but changed his focus to study engineering. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1949. Albert was employed as an electrical engineer for General Electric for more than 20 years, prior to his retirement.
A self- taught handyman, Albert built the family’s summer home on West Island with his father in-law. He served as a lay advisor on numerous committees at Fairhaven Congregational Church and also volunteered his handyman skills to church members who needed help. Along with his wife Margie, he directed the weekly Duplicate Bridge program held at the Fairhaven Council of Aging for numerous years. He also volunteered to drive seniors to their doctor appointments. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, boating, baking bread and sharing his fix-it skills with all who asked. He and Margie hosted Japanese exchange students and twice travelled to Tosashimizu, Japan with the John Manjiro Friendship Society. He helped create and served as President of the Fisherman’s Road Beach Association. He was happiest when surrounded by family, sharing holidays, attending grandchildrens’ events, enjoying beach days or hosting BBQs.
Following their retirement Albert and Marjorie, longtime residents of Stoneham, MA, drove their motor home cross-country, journeying to 48 of the 50 states. They wintered in Claremont, Florida and spent summers in Fairhaven on West Island where all of the family generations loved to gather.
He is survived by his children, Leslie M. Maguire and Linda Jones McCaffrey of Fairhaven, Alan C. Jones and his wife Robin of Rome, NY, Richard C. Jones and his wife Marlene of Merrimack, NH and Douglas H. Jones of Germany; a daughter-in-law, Paula Jones of Fairhaven, 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Hebert Jones.
His Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 11:00AM in the First Congregational Church, 34 Center St, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be held Monday, July 11, 2022 in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. Arrangements are in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at FAIRLAWN, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven.
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