George A. Jones

George Jones’ long, well-lived life came to an end on July 14, 2026.

He was born on April 24, 1933, in Brownsville, Pa., to parents Harry and Carrie (McCune) Jones, and grew up in the coal patch towns throughout that area before the family settled in New Salem, Pa.

He graduated from Uniontown High School, attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago and served in the Army at the Pentagon toward the end of the Korean War. With the GI Bill, he went to West Virginia University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1960. He spent his entire career with West Penn Power, and 30 years after retiring, he was amazed that “they still keep sending me money.”

He married the love of his life, Patty (Umbel) Jones, in 1958. They were together until her death in January 2022. He is survived by his two children: David (wife, Linda) Jones of Catonsville, Md., and Susan Jones of Greensburg; three grandchildren: Emma Jones of Allison Park, Pa.; Sarah Blazucki (wife, Lisa) of Washington, D.C.; and Seth Blazucki (wife, Brittany) of Catonsville; and one great-grandchild, Reid Blazucki of Catonsville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Rachel Blazucki Dandois.

George and his family moved to Fort Allen in Hempfield Township in 1970, where he was a fixture in the neighborhood — waving to all passing cars; riding his lawnmower between his and his daughter’s house and greeting all the neighbors during daily walks with his canine companions, Harley and then Radar.

He and Patty crisscrossed the United States several times, including two multi-week driving trips to Alaska, and traveled the world, from China to Australia, Dubai, Russia and much of Europe.

He was an accomplished woodworker, building bookshelves, desks, tables, beds and much more for his and his children’s homes. He was kind, caring and generous and always tried to do the right thing, no matter how difficult. He loved his family, his faith, jazz music and a good glass of bourbon.

He took every task seriously and always said, “There are no easy jobs.” Now he’s left us with the hardest job of all, going on without him.

Please help us celebrate George’s life at a memorial service on Saturday, July 25, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1120 Harvey Ave., Greensburg. Visitation from 10am to 11am with service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Westminster Presbyterian Church, where George attended for more than 50 years, or to Tri-City Meals on Wheels, 716 Foster St, Greensburg, PA 15601, where he volunteered for many years and later received their services.

Kepple-Graft Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.