CHARLES COLLIER JONES, 84, of Punta Gorda, Florida died Thursday, July 11, 2013 at home.
Known to his friends and family as Charlie, he was born November 11, 1928 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to the late Bernard and Mildred Jones. He was a Korean war veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. Charles was a classically trained musician and composer, who attended Yale and Brandeis Universities where he studied with musicians such as Paul Hyndimuth, Leonard Bernstein, and many others. In addition, Charles was an accomplished jazz musician, playing with the Army jazz band during his years of service. He married Louise Van Petten and lived in Rockport, Massachusetts where he was a commercial lobsterman. Louise died from cancer. As an active member of the Sandy Bay Yacht Club, he was a Rhodes 19 fleet captain and taught sailing lessons for many years.
Charlie later met MaryAnn Scola and they were married in 1984. After retirement, Charlie and MaryAnn moved to Punta Gorda, Florida in 2004 where they enjoyed sailing and the social life of Windmill Village. MaryAnn was taken by cancer in 2007. Charlie led an active life including riding his motorcycle, playing the piano to accompany the Windmill Village Chorus, and sailing.
He is survived by his loving family, a daughter, Polly C. Jones of Bellingham, Washington; a step-daughter, Sally Peters of Easthampton, Massachusetts and a step-son, Jay Peters of Orono, Maine.
Memorial services will be held at a later date by the family. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.