Edward Francis Jones III, 79, of Worcester, passed away after a short illness on Monday, February 6th, 2012 with family and friends at his bedside at the University of Massachusetts – Memorial Medical Center.

     Edward, the second child of Edward F. Jones II and Agnes (Roberts) Jones, was born on November 16, 1932 in Haverhill. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Nancy.

     Eddie is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marion (Doherty) Jones; a son, Daniel and wife Margaret of Framingham, their three children, Danny, Meaghan and Kevin; a daughter, Katie Brideau of Worcester, her child, Emily; a son, Bobby and wife Kristine of Worcester, their three sons, Kyle, Nicholas, and Cody; and a stepson, Steven Doherty and wife Melinda of Sturbridge and their two daughters, Cassidy and Madison. The mother of his children, Patricia (Kneeland) Jones, passed away in 2007.

     Eddie is also survived by his older sister, Constance “Connie” Connelly and husband James of Worcester. He will also be missed by several nieces and nephews from the Connolly and Kneeland clans as well as two special sisters-in-law: Ruth Kneeland of Worcester and Betty Kneeland of Holden.

     Graduating from Saint Peters High School, Eddie began his career in the supermarket industry with First National Stores before being recruited to Iandoli’s Markets. This began a 41 year relationship with the Iandoli’s Markets and Shaw’s Supermarkets, including store management roles in several Central Mass stores. To his last days, he never tired of speaking of his respect and admiration for John Iandoli and the entire Iandoli family and was always proud to have been a part of the organization. Eddie cherished his lunches and telephone calls with John Iandoli that continued up to his final days.

     Eddie enjoyed life to the fullest and especially treasured time with his family. He was affectionately called “Gramps” by his grandchildren…the lights of his life. He never stopped reliving memories from First Communions, Confirmations, fall cookouts, BC football games and graduations, especially his trips to Milwaukee, WI and Santa Clara, CA. Eddie was always there to show support for his family and his frequent visits with his sister, Connie, were especially dear to him.

     In his early years, Eddie enjoyed bowling and horseshoes and later fell in love with the game of golf. He looked forward to his Labor Day weekend trip to the 16th hole at the Deutsche Bank Championship in Norton.

     Eddie treasured his friends and never stopped building new relationships. Over the years, he served as a mentor and friend to many within the food distribution and supermarket industries. Eddie will be especially missed by his most cherished friend, Bobby Burdett. Bobby and Eddie met in 1974 and have played countless games of cards and have taken several road trips over the years, including a trip to Red Sox spring training in Florida. A week would not go by without a jab or two being exchanged between the longtime buddies. Bobby continued to visit Eddie until his very last day and Eddie loved to tell everyone how lucky he was to have such a “special friend.”

     Calling hours will be at Athy Memorial Home at 111 Lancaster Street on Thursday, February 9th form 5 to 8 P.M. The funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street on Friday, February 10th at 10 AM. Burial following the Mass will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.

     Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to Worcester Veterans Inc. at 96 Grove Street or a charity of your choice in the name of Edward F. Jones III.