David J. Jones, 96, of East Nelson, NY, died March 13, 2012 at the Willow Point Nursing Home in Vestal, NY. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Beatrice and two daughters: Wilma of Lake George and Marilyn (Douglas) Beard of Endwell, NY. Also 2 grandsons: David (Julie) Beard of Johnson City, NY and Jonathan Beard of Pittsburgh, PA; 4 great-grandchildren: Maura, Evan, Madeline and Cayden; a brother-in-law, Donald Ruppert of North Western, NY; 1 niece, Connie Hogan; 3 nephews: Edward Jones, Harley and Bruce Ruppert and a close family friend, Mildred Moore.
He was born at home in East Nelson, NY, son of Bert and Sarah Jones. After graduating from Morrisville High School and the Utica School of Commerce, he worked as an accountant in Holland Patent and Utica. He married Beatrice Kane in 1939. They moved to the family homestead in East Nelson in 1945 where he farmed until 1990. He spent 16 years working at Morrisville College as a custodian and then supervising custodian until his retirement in 1978. He was on the board of directors for the REA for 32 years, a member of the Nelson Grange for over 60 years where he held many offices including master. He was a member of the Morrisville and Cazenovia Masonic Lodge since 1968 and served as assessor for the Town of Nelson for several years in the 1960s.
He was a life long member of the Welsh Community Church, East Nelson, and held the office of treasurer for over 30 years. In 2000 he was chosen Citizen of the Year for the Town of Nelson. His adult life was devoted to his family, the Welsh Church and his community. He enjoyed local history and was often asked about people and places from years ago.
A memorial service will be held June 16, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Welsh Community Church, East Nelson, NY.
Donations may be made to the Welsh Community Church in care of the treasurer, Kathryn Jones, PO Box 565, Cazenovia, NY 13035.