NORWICH – Norman R. “Buz” Jones, 76, of Norwich, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2013.
Born May 23, 1936, in Norwich, to Robert and Ruth Manley Jones, Buz spent his early life in Guilford where he attended school and engaged in farming with his father. In l953, he entered the U. S. Marine Corp., serving his country until his honorable discharge as a corporal in 1957.
Buz returned to Norwich. On Feb. 9, 1957, he married Catherine Lavin of the Bronx. She predeceased him on Jan. 5, 2010. Buz is survived by his children and their spouses: Michael and Pam Jones of Norwich and Patricia and Brian Blood of Preston; his granddaughters: Lt. Sarah Blood-Atkins (Toby) of Eagle River, AK, Meryl Johnson (Jeremy) of Syracuse, Samantha Blood of Endwell, Dayna Waltz (Darrin) of McDonough, and Monica Blood (TJ) of Preston; and by his great grandchildren: Taylor Blood, Daphney Frank, Kadance, Keegan, and Khloe Waltz, Liam and Aislinn Johnson. Also surviving are his sister, Dolores Dolgos; his brother-in-law, Norm Saunders; and sisters-in-law: Josephine Jones, Patricia Lavin, and Alice Lavin; special friend, Don Rivenburgh of TN, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Jones, in 1983; his sister, Ruth Saunders in 2008; and dearest friends, Dale and Sally Wackford.
Buz was a member of the Norwich Fire Department in the Alert Hose Co. for 51 years, as well as a member of the Norwich Emergency Squad where he served as Captain. He was a 30-plus year member of the American Legion and a past member of the Norwich Moose Club, with which he served as governor for several years. He worked at Scintilla in Sidney for 15 years before pursuing his interest in construction where he partnered with lifelong friend, Ron Livingstone. His passions in life were felt among many. He loved to fish and hunt, spent many a year on Whaupaunaucau mountain with the “crew.” He will be remembered for his amazing potato crops, which he tended with dear friend Pete Dean, who predeceased him on Dec. 4, 2009.
There was nothing more important to him than his children, his granddaughters, and all his great grandchildren. It is with tremendous thanks to the staff at CMH - the nurses, doctors, aides (Amy and Melanie in particular) - your care and compassion was immeasurable; and to Hospice - Karen, Sandy, Val, Cassandra, and volunteer Joe Sugar for his hours of care and friendship. Special thanks to Mike Wright as a neighbor!
At Buz’s request, there will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a service at 1 p.m. Friday at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. A military committal ceremony at J. D. Lewis Cemetery in Preston will be at the convenience of the family.
Buz was a friend to all and leaves us with empty hearts and many happy and funny reminders of true love and friendship. “AND THIS BOY’S GONE FISHING”