James Richard “Dick” Jones, 67, of Pittsburgh, PA, formerly of New Castle, passed away peacefully with his family at his side the afternoon of November 21, 2013 in Mercy Hospital. Born on August 13, 1946, he was the son of the late Richard and Alice Louise Mitchell Jones. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Julie R. Jones. He is survived by a daughter, Jennifer R. Lennie; her husband, Ryan W. Lennie; and two granddaughters who he adored, Grace and Katherine Lennie.
Originally from Punxsutawney, Dick graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. While at Bucknell, he was chosen to perform with the School Chorus of America which toured the USA and Europe. He completed his Master’s degree in Elementary Education at Westminster College.
Dick taught music at several different schools in the New Castle School District including Ben Franklin, Lincoln Garfield, West Pittsburg, and Mahoning where he directed many shows including Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz. He also taught kindergarten at Croton School.
Upon his retirement, he became a musical theater professor at Point Park University. Dick was a former member of Northminster Church where he had been the organist for several years. Dick loved Disney World and had the joy of being there with his granddaughters.
Dick loved the theater and performed in numerous plays at the New Castle Playhouse including Mame and Cabaret. He also performed with the Red Barn Players, the Nutmeg Players in Madison, CT, and the theater at Clarion University. He also helped with Neshannock’s musicals where his daughter performed. Dick was a member of the Chordially Yours Barbershop Quartet. He was also a 32 degree Mason belonging to the New Castle Valley Consistory.
Visitation will be held Monday from 4pm to 8pm and Tuesday from 10am to 11am at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home 3000 Wilmington Rd. Services will take place Tuesday at 11am at the funeral home.
The family asks that donations be made in his memory to Point Park University Office of Development 201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222.