June 7, 1936 – September 30, 2026
Robert Patrick “Bob” Jones passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 90 years old.
Bob was born on June 7, 1936 to Helen and John Jones. He grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey alongside his two brothers and sister. A star athlete, Bob excelled at football and after graduating Linden High School, he went on to the University of Delaware, where he served as team captain.
Bob met Barbara Witkowski while attending Linden HS, starting their over 72 years long love story. Known affectionately to him as “Babs,” Bob and Babs married on November 27, 1958. Married over 68 years, Babs was Bob’s greatest love in life. They soon began their family, moving all over the Northeast before settling in Florida.
Bob’s greatest pride in life was the family he built with Babs. Blessed with three children, Karen, Bobby, and Tommy, Bob was a steadfast pillar in all their lives. Over the years, Bob’s family grew to include six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, with another on the way.
Known lovingly by his family as “Pop,” he was a constant in all their lives – always there, cheering them on, at every sporting event, graduation, or life event. Working hard to provide for his family, Bob loved organizing family trips all over the country which have become treasured memories for all.
Bob’s love of football stuck with him throughout his life – you would always find him supporting his Delaware Blue Hens on Saturdays and watching a Jaguars game on Sundays.
Those who knew Bob knew a man who never needed to be the loudest person in the room. He was quiet, thoughtful, hardworking, and generous. During family events, you could always find Bob sitting back with a smile on his face watching everyone enjoy time together.
He gave without needing recognition and cared deeply for the people around him. A devout Catholic, his faith was an important and steady presence throughout his life.
Bob lived a full and wonderful 90 years. He loved deeply, worked hard, traveled, laughed, played golf, watched plenty of football, and watched the family he and Babs began together grow through four generations.
His legacy lives on not only in what he accomplished, but in the people he loved, the family he helped create, the memories he made possible, and the example he quietly set throughout his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers foundation at https://dogood.t2t.org/Donate .
A memorial mass will be announced at a later date.
