Gary Ellsworth Jones, 66, of Harrisburg, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 24, 2013. Gary was born in Irwin, PA on April 25, 1947. He graduated from Hempfield High School in Greensburg, PA in 1965. He earned a Bachelor's of Science in botany in 1969 and a Master's of Science in entomology in 1972 both degrees from Penn State. He worked for the Department of Environmental Protection for 36 years and finished his career as a section chief for Biological Services Section. Gary also served as president of the PA Vector Control Association for two terms. Gary enjoyed nature, kayaking, hiking, traveling, helping on the family farm, and doing various activities on the New England coastline. He had a special talent for storytelling which he often shared with his grandchildren. His wonderful sense of humor and his ability to keep life simple will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Lois Jones, of 41 years. They were married on the Penn State Campus in March of 1972. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth A. Jones of Irwin, PA; his sister, Marlene Saenz and her husband Guillermo Saenz of Costa Rica, and their son, William Saenz of Vero Beach, FL. Gary is lovingly remembered by his son, Daniel B. Jones and his wife, Anastasia Z. Jones of York Springs; his daughter, Caron J. Lerone and her husband, Matthew C. Leone of South Dartmouth, MA. He enjoyed spending time with his 10 grandchildren, Philip, Damien, Karol, Patrick, Gregory, Daniel, Helena, Regina, Roman, and Joseph.
Visitation was held Saturday, July 27, 2013 from 1-2pm at Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home, Harrisburg, with a memorial service to celebrate his life at 2pm with Rev. Anne Myers officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be offered to ThyCa, Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association Inc., www.thyca.org; or to the PA Vector Control Association, http://pavectorcontrol.org/; donations in care of Andy Kyle, Treasurer, 2471 Mayfield St., York, PA 17406. To offer the family condolences, or for directions, please visit, GeigleFuneralHome.com.