Obituary of Capt. Frank D. Jones, US Army, Ret.

Frank D. Jones, 74, peacefully entered into eternal life on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in the comfort of his home and neighborhood.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Frank was the son of Merchant Marine Capt. Frank Jones and Bridget Hughes Jones and moved to Troy as a child, where he graduated from Sacred Heart School and Catholic Central High School.

Frank was an outgoing and popular person as evident by his nomination as ongoing Class President in both grammar school and high school. A gifted athlete, Frank was an All-City Center and also won the high school football championship while leading Catholic Central High School.  Following high school, Frank attended Canisius College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Frank then enlisted in the United States Army through the ROTC program, completed Ranger School and served with the 101st Airborne where "Chopper" Jones flew multiple insertion and extraction missions while serving in Vietnam. Frank served his country proudly as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, completing tours of duty in the DMZ. Capt. Jones was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal (2-25th OLC), Parachute Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Dev, Army Aviator Badge, Air Medal W/V Dev and the Bronze Star Medal. During Vietnam, Frank developed life-long friendships that resulted in a family of brothers who have  maintained a bond so strong that has resulted in their support of each other throughout their lives. Frank retired from the National Guard.

His career also included sales at IBM and Wang Laboratories.  Upon retirement, Frank worked with his cousins serving families at the Sanvidge Funeral Homes.

An active boater, Frank served as the Secretary for the Troy Boat Club for many years. He truly enjoyed boating and the solitude of relaxing with a novel enjoying nature. In addition to boating, Frankie was an accomplished helicopter pilot and volunteered providing rides to assist those in need. A kind and gentle heart was his foundation and philosophy in life especially with friends, family and strangers.

A strong Catholic faith was also a part of his foundation and belief. He also supported local churches, foundations and causes impacting others for the better. Frank never said a bad word about anyone and always was kind.

In addition to his parents, Frank and Bridget, Frank was also predeceased by his sister Eileen Skelton and dear friend C. Lane Zugalla .

Survivors include his niece, Carla Jean Daniel, nephews; Frank and Thomas Skelton, great nieces; Kaylin and Eli Daniel, great nephew; Matthew Daniel, Curtis Skelton and Morgan Ridgeway,  numerous friends including his "brother" Billy Jones, Ralphie, Bob Hume, cousin Billy Jones, the entire Jones and Sanvidge families, Mike Barna, his military buddies who are true heroes and his close friends as well as Tony Maglione with whom Frank developed a life-long friendship beginning at Canisius. During the past two and a half years, he was especially supported by his personal friends and caregivers; Nancy and Richie Shellard and Patty Minkler, as well as his close neighbors, who have been so helpful with Frank's fight with cancer the past three years.

Funeral will be held on Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. from the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue (Corner of 115th Street in Lansingburgh),Troy, NY 12182, thence to Sacred Heart Church, 310 Spring Avenue, Troy, NY 12180 where at 10:30 a.m. Frank's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

The Rite of Committal Service will be offered by Father John Yanas, on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 10:15 a.m. at St. John's Cemetery, 250 Cemetery Ave, Troy, NY 12182 with full military honors.

Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the St. Vincent DePaul Society (Food Pantry) c/o St. Augustine's Church, 25-115th St., Troy, NY 12182, in memory of Frank D. Jones.

Please express your condolences or send flowers by using the tabs below. sanvidgefuneralhome.com