RUMSON – Borough resident and former trustee of the Riverview Medical Center Foundation Robert S. Jones Jr. died on Sunday.
Jones, 74, had lost his long-term battle with cancer, according to his obituary.
Jones had been a trustee for the medical center foundation from 2003 to 2011. The foundation is a separate, nonprofit charitable organization providing philanthropic assistance to programs and services at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank.
Joseph E. Stampe, foundation board president, said the medical center foundation and the foundation board of Meridian Health System (Meridian Health System operates Riverview) “are deeply saddened by Bob Jones’ passing.”
“Bob was a consummate gentleman. I think his years of service spoke volumes for him and his commitment to this hospital and community,” Stampe added. “We are proud to have been a beneficiary of his import and truly inspired by that legacy he left this community.”
Starting in 1965 Jones had worked for 41 years for AXA Advisors, LLC (formerly the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the U.S.), holding a variety of different positions with the company. He retired in 2007 as executive vice president, head of retail and chairman of AXA Advisors, responsible for entire retail sales force, made up of 6,000 financial professionals in 54 branches in U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Jones was born in Baltimore, Maryland and served in the U.S. Navy following high school graduation. Jones went on to graduate with a degree in economics from Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1965 and was a trustee emeritus for the college.
He had been board member of the Rumson Country club and served as the board’s president from 2003-2006.
Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl said he knew Jones quite well and as he waged his long battle with cancer, Jones “never lost his indomitable spirit or enthusiasm for life throughout the journey.”
“He will be missed by the community and all those who were inspired by his will,” Ekdahl added.
Jones is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon, and son, Matthew, and three daughters, Kelly, Kirsten and Ashley, and their families, which includes eight grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Monday, Aug. 24, at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m., at the Church at the Nativity, Roman Catholic church, Fair Haven
By John Burton
