Robert Thurston Jones, just shy of his 91st birthday, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at his home in Waterbury Center, Vt. — just a short distance from the Thurston farm where he was raised.
Born on June 19, 1934, Bob lived a long, full life grounded in family, service and quiet strength. He was a devoted husband, father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather and will be remembered for his kindness, selflessness and unwavering desire to help others. He was — and always will be — our hero.
Professionally, Bob was a master electrician, but his true calling was helping others. As a young man, he dreamed of becoming a physician. Though that path did not materialize, he found many other meaningful ways to serve. He worked in the emergency room at Central Vermont Medical Center — a role he deeply loved — and later continued his career in human services, retiring from Washington County Mental Health.
Bob also proudly served in the U.S. Army and later the National Guard as a medic. In 2024, he participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., a deeply meaningful experience that celebrated his service and sacrifice.
Volunteerism was at the heart of Bob’s life. He was one of the founding members of the Waterbury Ambulance Service and served as fire chief, dedicating more than 50 years to fire service in both Waterbury Center and Michigan, where his fire service journey began. He also served with Waterbury Backcountry Rescue and spent 42 years with the National Ski Patrol. He was a first aid instructor with the American Red Cross and served as Waterbury’s civil defense director. His tireless commitment to emergency response and public safety positively impacted countless lives and earned him widespread respect throughout Vermont and beyond.
Beyond his professional and volunteer work, Bob was a vibrant part of his community. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 59, the Green Mountain Dog Club, the Waterbury Historical Society and the Waterbury Center Community Church. His faith, community spirit and love for animals were central to his life.
He and his wife of 70 years, Betty, shared a passion for travel and camping, exploring nearly the entire country. Only two states — Hawaii and Oregon — eluded them. Another joy was sugaring with the family; in the sugar shack, Bob’s ingenious mind was always at work, fixing things or finding ways to make processes easier and better.
Bob is survived by his wife, Betty Jones; and by his children: Glenn Jones of Hyde Park; Allen Jones and his wife, Sharon, of Waterbury; Doreen Cleary and her husband, Robert, of Waterbury Center; and Darrin Jones of Waterbury Center. He was a cherished grandfather to Allison Jones; Ethan Jones and his wife, Samantha; Taylor Jones; Paige Cleary and her husband, James Coolidge; and Haley Furness and her husband, Chris. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride.
He is also survived by his sisters, Cathy Jones of Bayside, N.Y.; and Eileen Blancato and her husband, Bill, of Winston-Salem, N.C.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved son Dale Thurston Jones and his brother, Richard Jones.
Funeral services will be held on May 31, 2025, 1 p.m., at Maple Street Cemetery, 380 Maple St., Waterbury Center, VT 05677, with a reception to follow at Waterbury Center Community Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Waterbury Ambulance Service or the Waterbury Center Community Church.
Bob’s life was a testament to unwavering dedication through his professional work, decades of volunteer service, military commitment, community involvement, and the love and guidance he gave to his family. His legacy of selflessness, strength and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.