Daniel Francis Jones

Daniel Francis Jones, 71, of South Windsor and East Hartford, loving husband of 31 years of Robyn (LaPenta) Jones, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, September 9, 2019. Born in Bennington, VT on April 30, 1948, son of the late Francis G. and May A. (Shays) Jones, he had resided in the East Hartford/South Windsor area for most of his life. Dan was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1966 where he was all-state for the track team, reaching the school record in the high jump. He also starred on the basketball team. Dan was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War serving with the 11thArmored Calvary-Blackhorse Division. While in the Army he was an Intel Analyst, Interrogator, and Interpreter. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Connecticut Wartime Veterans Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1973.

After returning from the war, Dan started his successful collegiate basketball career at Greater Hartford Community College under Coach Howie Dickenman, receiving the President’s award for outstanding player. He then transferred to Central Connecticut State University where he starred on the basketball team and still remains as one of the all-time leading scorers in school history. Dan graduated from CCSU with a BA in History.

Prior to his retirement, Dan was employed for over 34 years by Connecticut Junior Republic. He was the manager of a group home in East Hartford where he was a role model and father figure to many area youths who suffered from various hardships. Dan also worked for the Boston Celtics for ten years in charge of ticket sales at the Hartford Civic Center.

Dan gave back to his community and enjoyed coaching youth basketball, especially his daughters’ teams. Dan was honored by being inducted into the East Hartford Explorers Tap-Off Club Hall of Fame for his playing career, as well as community work. He loved collecting all types of sports memorabilia and listening to music from the 1960’s (especially the Beatles). He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Boston Celtics, and New York Giants. Most of all, Dan was a family man who enjoyed spending his time with his wife, daughters, and close friends. He planned many memorable vacations and trips for his family, often including historical landmarks. It was not unusual for Dan to run into someone he knew almost everywhere he went!

Along with his beloved wife Robyn, Dan is survived by his three adored daughters, Amanda, Olivia, and Emma; two brothers, Mark Jones of Massachusetts, Gary Jones of Wilmington, VT; a sister, Darlene Jones of Wilmington, VT; his father-in-law, Donald LaPenta of East Hartford; his mother-in-law, Linda Dosch of Stoneville, NC; a brother-in-law, Dominic LaPenta of East Hartford; a sister-in-law, Jill Harris and her husband, Bobby, of Stoneville, NC; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends.

Dan’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday (September 12, 2019) from 3 – 7 pm at the D’ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Dan’s funeral service will be Friday (September 13, 2019) at 9 am from the D’ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 am at St. Rose Church, 33 Church Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dan’s name may be made to the ALS Association-CT Chapter, 4 Oxford Road, Unit E4, Milford, CT 06460. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com