Ronald Jones

Ronald Hoskins "Ron" Jones, of Aurora, NY, passed away on February 1, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by his loving family. Ronald was the son of Winifred Charlotte Hoskins and Harry Spencer Jones, Jr. Ron was born on January 2, 1938, in Sherwood, NY. He graduated from Union Springs Central School, Class of 1956. After high school, Ron purchased farmland, where he grew corn, wheat, and beans. It was upon this land that he built his house with the help of his father and created a home with the help of his wife. He was an iron worker foreman for many years before he was recognized for his integrity, his work ethic, and his skill set and was promoted to an officer position, serving as the financial secretary/treasurer for Iron Workers Local 60 in Syracuse, NY. After he retired from the union, Ron took a job with the NYS Thruway Authority as a toll attendant. He also worked as a fire equipment sales representative for Lake Effect Outfitters. Ron, a master rope rescue technician, was later asked by his former rope rescue instructor, Jerry Smith, former owner of CMC Rescue, Inc., to act as an editor for Jerry's rope rescue training manual.

Ron met Cindy, the literal "girl next door," when he was seven years old and she was only five. Ron looked at her and asked, "Hello, little girl, would you like me to push you on that swing?" That was the beginning of a long friendship, and eventually a storybook romance, that yielded 9 children, 51 grandchildren, and 54 great-grandchildren and counting. Ron loved each and every individual child. If he wasn't working in his shop or his home office, you could find Ron mowing the expansive lawns on his property and pulling his grandchildren behind his lawnmower in the green wagon. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family. Ron was an avid traveler, visiting almost every state in the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. He felt it was important to include all of his children in his travels, and he cherished those shared experiences. In summer, Ron enjoyed sitting in the Adirondack chairs outside Dorie's with Cindy, drinking coffee and visiting with their dear friends from the Aurora community. He also loved piloting hot air balloons and was a member of the Central New York Balloon Club.

Ron was a dedicated active volunteer fireman for the Aurora Fire Department for 67 years, only taking his life membership two years ago. He served in the role of Assistant Chief for over 25 years. He was a founding member of the Cayuga County High Angle Rescue Team (which began in 1984 and is still going strong), where he served as training officer and treasurer. Ron considered the members of the Aurora Fire Department and the CCHART to be his dearest friends and second family. He was a pioneer to enroll in one of the very first EMT classes in Cayuga County – his EMT number is only 4 digits, beginning with a 2. Ron served as a volunteer EMT with the AVFD for over 40 years. He received many awards and honors over the years, including Cayuga County Senior Citizen of the Year 2023 for his volunteer service to the community. Ron was inducted into the USCS Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2018, for his achievements on the 1956 Varsity Boys Track Team. Ron was the first Union Springs Underman to run less than a five-minute mile.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his 17-month-old daughter Jacqueline Ann Jones; son-in-law Bernard T. Shaw Jr.; grandson Robert B. Jones; sister Fran Hollands; sister-in-law Jane Yoensky; brothers-in-law Alan Shellenburger, Edward Waldron, Joseph Lavey, and Keith Lavey; mother-in-law and father-in-law Sarah and Henry Lavey; and his beloved nephew Scott Lavey.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Lavey), of 67 years; his sons Ronald S. Jones of Auburn, Craig R. (Jennifer) Jones of Aurora, Kevin P. (Michelle) Jones of Aurora; his daughters Laurie A. (Robert) Faiola of Auburn, Sandra M. Shaw of Aurora, Donna L. (Joseph) Manning of Auburn, Lisa M. (Peter) Morris of Aurora, Sarah J. (Kevin) Homick of Aurora; his sisters Janet R. White of Leesburg, FL, Judith M. Shellenberger of Manassas, VA, Deborah C. Waldron of Cayuga; his sisters-in-law Lorraine Lavey, Michelene Lavey, Mary (Jim) Vitale, and Mary "Mimi" Lavey; his 51 grandchildren; his 54 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank some of the special people who helped Ron the last few years: Physical Therapist Sarah, Occupational Therapists Jeannette and Jennifer, Speech Language Pathologist Ginger, Hospice Nurse Meredith, and all the members of the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department, who have been such wonderful friends and helped Ron through some difficult times.

Calling hours will be Friday, February 13, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Union Springs Fire Department, 257 Cayuga St., Union Springs, NY 13160. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 14, at 11 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 303 Main St, Aurora, NY 13026.

Burial will be held in the spring at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Aurora.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Fund, PO Box 71, Aurora, NY 13026 or online at www.avfd.net