Russell D. Jones

Russell “Rusty” Jones, 67, of Rensselaer, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2024, at the Stratton VA Hospital surrounded by his loving wife Theresa and family.

Rusty was predeceased by his parents Russell Jones and Anita Lauer, and his sisters Nancy Gootz, Yvonne Daniel, and Audrey Brady. He is survived by his wife Theresa, sisters Annette Freeman, and Roslynn Zimbler, many nieces and nephews and a whole bunch of friends.

Rusty was born in Stamford, NY on November 19, 1956. The family moved to Rensselaer, where as a teen, he excelled in gymnastics. He was a NYSPAA Section 2 champion in floor exercise, tumbling and trampoline. Rusty graduated in 1975 from Rensselaer Jr/Sr High School and became a camp counselor for the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County at Camp Adventure.

Rusty enlisted in the Marines in 1978 and retired as an E4 in 1982.

In 1986 at Camp Adventure he married the love of his life Theresa (Maguire). The next 37 years were filled with fun adventures together. Rusty would often be found on the golf course, boating on Burden Lake, and bowling where his highest score was a 267. Rusty was an avid music fan and he always had music playing, his favorite being Frank Zappa. He always quizzed Theresa when a song played on the radio even though she’d tell him to stop because she never knew what song it was or what band or musician…unless it was Frank Zappa. He knew and sang every word to Zappa’s music.

On Sundays, you could find him watching his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys. Rusty’s career included being a soundman at local venues for several top-name bands, a talented cabinet maker and carpenter. Rusty said it best in his senior yearbook, “One lives but once in the world and I shall enjoy myself”.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Wednesday, May 22nd from 4-6 at W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home in Rensselaer. A memorial service will follow at 6pm. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Rensselaer County Camp Adventure.