Leo Theodore Jones

IPSWICH – Leo Theodore Jones, 87 of Ipswich, died Friday, December 19, 2025 surrounded by loving family and compassionate staff at the Rockingham County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Brentwood, NH, following a lengthy illness. He was the son of the late Carl and Eleanor (Sampson) Jones.

Leo was born in Danvers, MA, June 28, 1938 and moved as a young boy to Middleton, MA where he grew up attending Howe Manning School and later, Holten High School in Danvers. Leo was an accomplished student, played varsity football and engaged in many scholastic and extracurricular activities. As an adult, Leo was active in his community by serving as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Middleton Congregational Church and various town committees.

Following HS graduation, Leo spent time at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst studying History, before choosing to enter the Army. He began his service, in Monterey, California, studying defense languages and became fluent in both Russian and German. He performed his duties in Turkey as a Russian Linguist/Interpreter. Leo proudly served his country, receiving an honorable discharge and spent time travelling through Europe before returning to the United States.

Leo was highly educated, first earning a degree in History, from Western Connecticut State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Later, Leo went on to earn two master’s degrees, one in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and the other in Clinical Social Work from Boston University. While at UPenn Leo was one of just three Ivy League students from all Ivy league schools, to be awarded a Fellowship at NATO Headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium. He had many fulfilling careers, the most recent being at the Hartford Insurance Company, Boston, MA for 23 years.

He was an accomplished runner of both short and long distances, running in over 185 races. His legacy includes 32 marathons, several 50-mile ultra races, 4 Mount Washington Road Races, numerous half marathons, and other varied distances. He was a long-time member of the GAC Running Club in Topsfield, MA. In addition to running, Leo also participated in local Highland Games. He was an avid fisherman and always looked forward to his annual fishing trip with his college buddies.

Leo was the beloved husband of Di Jones, beginning their life together 23 years ago when they met at the Annual Pumpkin Festival, on the hayride in Middleton. They knew right from the start they were soulmates and he proposed to her one year later on the same hayride.

He had many hobbies and interests. Leo especially loved long walks on Crane Beach in Ipswich with his wife Di; travelling, running, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, swimming, dancing, music, festivals, and social events. He was a loving father and enjoyed many wonderful summer vacations at Loch Lyme Lodge, NH with his daughter Kim. Leo was also a devoted stepfather to his 2 stepsons, Phil and John and enjoyed participating in their sports activities throughout the years. He was a proud step grandfather to Eleanor and John who always filled his heart with joy. Leo was an animal lover, especially of dogs and was the hero of their family Golden Retriever- Ryder.

Leo’s superpower was being a kind person and great listener. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend; there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family and friends.

Leo is survived by his loving wife, Diane Jones, daughter Kimberly Jones and her wife Sherri McDonald, stepson, Philip Donovan, stepson John Donovan and his wife Jennifer, step grandchildren, Eleanor and John Donovan, and Nephews, Jamie Johnston and Jeff Johnston. He is also predeceased by his sister Carlene Jones.

A sincere heartfelt thank you to the exceptional staff at Rockingham County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The loving and compassionate care you provided for Leo and his family will always be remembered and cherished.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Leo’s funeral service which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Tuesday, December 30th at 12 (NOON). Followed by his burial in Oakdale Cemetery, Middleton. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday, December 29th from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leo’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.