" Ralph H Jones, of Fredericksburg, Virginia passed away May 4, 2025, after 77 years on this earth. Born October 16, 1947 in Old Lyme, Connecticut, Ralph came from a large family and had three brothers and three sisters. As a youth, he enjoyed fishing the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound with his father, Robert H. Jones.

In 1966, a nineteen year-old Ralph answered the call of his country and joined the US
Army as a signal man, and was stationed in Germany for two years, which proved
formative, as he joined not only the Baptist church, but its ministry as well, becoming a Baptist preacher. From Germany, Ralph went on to serve in the conflict in Vietnam, a challenging period for him of which he was, in the end, very proud. Upon leaving the service, he took up the trades and became a welder, joining the Boilermakers Union, and he plied that same trade proudly for the remainder of his working days. Ralph also served his fellow man as a very active member of the Masonic Order and its various affiliates including the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Shriners, and the Scottish Rite. Also, a Knight of Columbus after becoming a Roman Catholic. Ralph was motivated to community service throughout his life. In his later years, he traveled the nation RVing with his wife, from the southern tip of Florida to Alaska and just about everywhere in between.

Upon passing from this very full and rich life, Ralph is survived by his wife of 40 years, Gisela B Jones, his daughter Dawn Marie Gallapis, his son Gregory Jones, and sisters Grace Ressler and Mary-Ellen Schwartz. His extended family included 10 grandchildren, Andrea, Oliver, Brenden, Nicholas, Jordyn, Georgia, Kimberly, Amber, Cailey, and Katherine. Also, 8 great-grandchildren Gavin, Zakk, Alison, Lea, Makenna, Stella, William and Emma.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marguerite (Goss) Jones and father, Robert H. Jones, his brothers, Robert, Walter, Leonard, sister, Ruth, and son, Ralph H. Jones Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday 17, 2025 at 11:00 am at Chancellors Village, 12100 Chancellors Village Lane Fredericksburg, VA

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Shriner Hospital for Children - Philadelphia
3551 Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19141
Attn. Terry Diamond "