Retired Cumberland Fire Department Lt. Gregory A. Jones Dies at 63
Thursday, May 09, 2024
Gregory A. Jones (Lt.- Ret., CFD) 63, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, in the Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence, with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Providence, he was the son of Anne M. (Hicks) Jones of Cranston and formerly of Cumberland, and the late Arthur T. Jones. Greg resided in Cumberland for the past 28 years, previously residing in North Kingstown and Pawtucket.
Greg cherished moments with his loved ones, whether it was gathered by the tranquil pond or cruising on the water.
His commitment to service extended deeply. Greg was an esteemed member of Cumberland Professional Firefighters Local 2722, IAFF, the Rhode Island State Association of Firefighters (RISAFF), the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), and the Cumberland Public Safety Union Hall, holding leadership roles, including past-president and board member, for the hall. He also served with distinction as a former member and board member of the former Cumberland Hill Firefighters Association.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Greg was an ardent supporter of RI Special Olympics, contributing countless hours to events like the Annual Penguin Plunge, the Torch Run, and the State Summer Games at URI, his volunteerism extended to national events, including several Special Olympics USA games.
Greg's career in firefighting spanned a decade with the Cumberland Fire District until his retirement in 2022 due to illness. Prior to this chapter, he dedicated 31 years as an Engineer for Verizon, retiring in 2011, while simultaneously serving as a paid on-call firefighter for 21 years with the former Cumberland Hill Fire District.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his children; Jennifer Ricard of St. Augustine, FL; and Jonathan Richmond (Nikki) of Bristol, RI.
His three loving sisters: Kerri Austin (Joe), Kristine Jones (Jerry), and Kimberly McPhee (Nigel). His beloved grandchildren: Riley Ricard, Brendan Ricard, Brielle Richmond, and Caiden Richmond, along with his nieces & nephews; Philip Austin (Kendell), Daniel Peirce, Michael McPhee and Sarah McPhee and his great nephew Demetri Austin. He was the brother of the late Timothy Jones.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Greg's Life Celebration to begin with Visiting Hours on Monday, May 13, 2024, from 4 PM to 7 PM and continuing on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 8:45 AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road Cumberland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM in the Historic St. Joseph Church, 1303 Mendon Road Cumberland. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Greg's memory may be made to the RI Special Olympics, 370 George Washington Hwy., Smithfield, RI 02917.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
