Cecil R. Jones Jr.

NAPLES, Fla. – Cecil R. Jones, Jr., of Naples, Fla., loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Friday Nov. 11, 2022, at the age of 91, after a long life well lived. His daughters were by his side.

Cecil was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa. He attended Lehigh University, where he studied mining engineering and in his spare time sang with the a cappella group the Cliff Clefs, which was the beginning of his lifetime love of singing. Upon graduation from Lehigh, he went on to have a long career in the steel industry, starting out in the training program at Jones & Laughlin Steel, rising through the ranks, and ending his career as a vice president at Warren Consolidated, Inc. His career as a steel executive moved him from one one side of the country to the other. It began in Los Angeles, Calif., with stops in Seattle, Wash., Milwaukee, Wisc., and then finally settling back into his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa.

He met his first wife Mary Ellen on a blind date to see the movie “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” in 1955, and they were married a year later. Cecil and Mary Ellen enjoyed a 50-year marriage as they moved around the country while raising two daughters. After retirement, Cecil and Mary Ellen split their time between Pittsburgh and Florida and enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren. After Mary Ellen’s death, he was lucky to find love again with his second wife Mary Lou, with whom he shared 12 wonderful years. After both having lost their spouses, they came together through their many common interests, enjoying traveling together and playing competitive bridge.

Cecil really knew how to live life to the fullest. He had a love of travel especially in his retirement years and was always planning and looking forward to the next trip. He was an accomplished pianist, and in the early days could be found accompanying a group of friends around the piano singing into the night. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing well into his 80s. Bridge was another one of his passions, in which he continually honed his game and kept a keen eye on his master points. He was a wine connoisseur who travelled to vineyards all over the world, and he always enjoyed sharing fine wine with good friends. He had a charismatic personality with a twinkle in his eye, a generous spirit, and an amazing smile, which was there even on his last day.

The family would like to express its thanks to the Staff at Moorings Park, especially his devoted caregivers, and Avow hospice for the wonderful service they provided.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Naples, Fla.; daughters, Beth (Steve) Westra of New Gloucester, and Cathy (Pat) Keeley of Portland, stepdaughter Jessica (Eric) Jozwiak of Naperville, Ill., and stepson Greg (Christine) Raber of Naperville, Ill.; grandchildren Katie (Donovan) O’Neill of Dallas, Texas and Peter (Anne) Westra of North Yarmouth; as well as two great-grandchildren, Cecilia and Conor O’Neill.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Ellen.

A celebration of his life was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, in the chapel at Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Clayton Road, Naples, FL 34103. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. freyvogelfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers,

memorial donations

can be made to:

Saint Matthews House

Attn: Development

2601 Airport Rd. S.

Naples, FL 34112 or:

Naples United Church

of Christ

5200 Clayton Rd.

Naples, FL 34103