Joseph Jones

Joseph Jones, 101, of Saltsburg, Pa., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at the Beacon Ridge Care Facility in Indiana, Pa. He was born on Thursday, January 1, 1920 in the small mining town of Foster, Pa., the son of the late Domenick Digavantonio Jones and Mary Ricuto Jones. He was a 1938 graduate of Saltsburg High School and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he completed various aviation training programs in the Midwest before his deployment as a nose gunner on a ten man B-24 bomber crew based in Castelluccio, Italy. He completed 37 missions with the 15th Air Force. Joe was the last surviving member of his crew. Many of his missions were like those of fellow Indiana Countian Jimmy Stewart who piloted B-24 bombers out of England in the 8th Air Force.

Upon his discharge after the war, Joe returned home to marry his neighbor Jennie Pless and began a 40 year career in the coal mining industry. He worked for several coal companies in Indiana, Westmoreland, and Armstrong counties. He retired in 1985 from the Tunnelton Mining Company. Joe was an avid, gardener, and hunter. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons Gene Joseph Jones (Karen) of Indiana, Pa., and Daniel Wade Jones (Tina) of Washington, Pa., his brother Arthur Jones of Saltsburg, Pa.; his grandchildren Jennifer Codling (James) of England, Kate Von Schuch (Danny) of Winchester, Va., Tony Jones (Nolan Galbraith) of Glenshaw, Pa., and Rachel Beppler (Matt) of Canonsburg, Pa.; and great grandchildren Lucas and Logan Codling of England, and Luke, Grant, and Marshall Von Schuch of Winchester, Va.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in his death by his wife of 66 years, Jennie Pless Jones in 2011, his son Edward James Jones in 2018, his granddaughter Kelly Christen Jones in 1995, and his siblings Henry, Leonard, Adam, Herman, Helen, Florence, Anna, and Olga.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that you thank a veteran for his or her service – that was important to Joe. The family wishes to thank all the caregivers, doctors, nurses, ambulance personnel, hospice, and neighbors for their care and devotion when he needed you the most.

All services are private. Interment will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, Saltsburg, Pa., with full Military Honors.

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