David W. Jones Jr., a longtime electrical contractor, avid outdoorsman and former coach, died at home Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, after having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer several weeks ago. Mr. Jones, 59, known as “Jonesy,” was a lifelong resident of Fallowfield, which he always pronounced with emphasis saying, “FALLOWfield,” firm in his belief that it was a special place. His connection to the township dated back generations, and Lover- Jonestown Road was named after his family. Dave was employed by Ferry Electric Company, but his career began in his teenage years. He learned the trade working side by side with his father, the late David W. Jones Sr., founder of David W. Jones Company. Young Dave preferred hands-on work more than schoolwork, and he almost left before graduating. “I still remember the day he told me he was going to quit,” said Charleroi Mayor Gregg Doerfler, his closest friend since seventh grade. “I threw him up against a locker and said, ‘You’re not leaving me here alone.’” And he didn’t. In fact, Dave was so devoted to the Charleroi Class of 1982 that he remained a key organizer of its reunion committee over the last 40 years. After graduation, Dave entered a union apprenticeship program and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 5. He eventually took over his father’s business before deciding to return to the field a few years ago. In addition, Dave was part of a group of men, including Doerfler, John Otto and Joe Smith, who operate Twilight Customs, a local manufacturer specializing in custom cornhole products and coolers. In addition to his work, Dave was a skilled outdoorsman who taught gun and hunter safety classes for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and he was a member of the Charleroi Archery Club. He was a devoted NASCAR fan and attended races in Charlotte, N.C., with his Row E family, a group of friends from around the country. Dave coached football and baseball to a generation of youngsters in the community, but his preference was hockey. He was passionate about the Penguins, despised most vegetables and loved riding his Harley. David was a member of several local social clubs and national industry-related organizations. He was a member of the Charleroi-Monongahela Masons, Lodge 337. Dave’s manly persona and rough exterior, complete with a ball cap and camouflage gear, masked a sensitive heart. He was not a church-going man but lived his Methodist faith in his relationships with others. “He was one of the most loving, caring, genuine people I’ve ever known,” Doerfler said. “Everybody he ever met, he touched.” Because of that softer side, Dave was simply considered to be one of the girls by his wife, Shelly Booth Jones, and her friends. None of those women shied away from talking about their intimate secrets when he was around. “Oh, it’s just Dave. He’s one of the girls,” they would say. He was such a fixture in the group that for years before they became a couple, Shelly rebuffed his flirtatious nature. Friends convinced her to accept a date after repeatedly reminding her, “That Dave Jones, he’s so nice.” After a decade as partners, the two married in 2015. In addition to his wife, Dave is survived by two sons, Jeremy and Jacob; a stepdaughter, Aubrey Cardinale and her fiancé, Ian Starkey, all of Fallowfield; a sister, JoAnn Brantner of Greensburg; his former wife, Deanne Grillo Jones of Fallowfield, and his beloved canine companion, Joe. In addition to his father, Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Viola Harris Jones. Visitation will be held noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, from at HOGAN-MELENYZER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, PA 15022, with funeral services immediately following at 7 p.m. with Pastor Kevin McClellan officiating. Interment will be held privately at Maple Creek Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.hoganmelenyzer.com.
