Dr Frank W Jones

Dr. Frank W. Jones, 93, died peacefully at his home in Niskayuna on February 1, 2015. Frank was born on May 4, 1921 in Birmingham, England, the son of Wilfred and Bertha Jones and immigrated to Schenectady as an infant. He graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1939 and Union College in 1943 with a degree in Pre-Med. Frank attended Albany Medical College, graduating in 1946 while proudly serving in the United Stated Air Force. He was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA for 6 weeks of parachute training, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, FL for 6 weeks of survival school training, Randolph Field, TX for 3 months of flight surgeon training and Westover Air Force Base, MA for additional flight surgeon training. While in uniform, Frank was stationed in Japan, Labrador and Newfoundland. Between service with the Air Force and 109th Air National Guard, Frank's military career spanned over 30 years as a paradoctor and flight surgeon, retiring honorably as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1981. Frank was an intern resident at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary between 1950 and 1953 and received his medical license in ophthalmology in August of 1953. He then worked for renowned ophthalmologist Conrad Berens of New York City before returning to Schenectady in 1961 to open his own practice. When Frank retired in 2006, he had served in the ophthalmology field for over 53 years. Throughout his life, Frank was a sports enthusiast. He captained his Union College baseball and basketball teams and was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization as a catcher. He carried his love for baseball and Union College athletics to the end and was one of the original founders of the Schenectady Old Timers Baseball Club in 1993. Frank's other passion was flying. He held a private pilot's license for over 40 years and even when his piloting days were over, he would still go to Richmor Aviation in Scotia just to be surrounded by it. Frank was the consummate gentleman, one of uncompromising loyalty and integrity. He treated all people with respect and his generosity and compassion are cherished memories. Frank was truly special, one of a kind, and he will be forever missed. Frank was married to the love of his life, Claire Fischer, for 51 years, until her death in 2012. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Chris in 2010. Frank is survived by sons Bruce Flaig (Karen) of Camillus and David Jones of Schenectady, sister, Renee Tilley (Merritt Jr.) of Wilmington, DE, grandchildren, Andrew and Cameron Mastro of Clifton Park and Darcy Levine (Jake) of Brooklyn, nephews, Merritt Tilley III of Wilmington, DE, Scott Tilley (Allison) of Los Altos Hills, CA, great nieces, Tracy and Kimberlyn Tilley and great nephew, Jackson Tilley, all of Los Altos Hills, CA. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers from Community Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care. We are forever grateful for the loving care and support that they gave to Frank. Interment with full military honors will be held at the Gerald Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. Memorial contributions in Frank's name may be made to the Community Hospice Foundation, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144.