Ryan Lee Jones, age 30, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. He was also known as “Troop” by his bandmates and fans.
He was born in Exeter, Pennsylvania, on March 24, 1981. He graduated from Wyoming Area High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology where he was the the first student to minor in Music and was selected to play with the highly respected RIT Polished Brass Quintet. His passion for music began with the classical violin training he began at the age of 3 and grew to include a proficiency for the guitar, trumpet, and mandolin. As part of a pivotal senior project in high school, Ryan traded his classical violin stylings for the playful energy of the fiddle when he was given the opportunity to play twin fiddles with the revered Charlie Daniels at the Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Including this defining moment, Ryan played alongside Daniels on seven occasions, and that help prepared him to be an inspired addition to the country music scene. After moving to Nashville in 2004, Ryan joined the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, and shortly thereafter began playing with the LoCash Cowboys in late 2005. The band's blend of country-rock created a new sound in country music that was not complete without the unique sound of Ryan's fiddle. It was not uncommon to see him twirling his bow, tossing it in the air, singing along while playing, and sprinting across stage or jumping off speakers as part of his energetic performance. Outside of his musical career, Ryan was a self-declared “geek” and actively involved in many groups and organizations based on uniting a community with similar interests. He was a member of the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion, all-volunteer organizations formed to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes and props, and to proudly facilitate the use of those costumes for Star Wars related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work.
Ryan was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Frank and Rose Gubbiotti, and his paternal grandfather Harry Jones.
Ryan is survived by his paternal grandmother Marie L. Jones, his mother Marilyn Gubbiotti of Exeter, PA, his father Lee Jones of Scranton, PA, his brother Brett Jones, and half-sisters Tammy Skander and Terri Wright, as well as his fiance Essay (Sarah Alice) Hood.
Visitation for Ryan in Nashville will be held at Ellis Funeral Home, October 22, from 1-5 PM. Serving as Ryan's 501st Legion Stormtrooper Honor Guard will be: Jonathan Walker, David and Catherine Hodge, Adam Johnsey, Jason Till, Steven Lewis, Jonathan Wollack, and Ronnie Cupp.
Visitation in Pennsylvania will be at the Gubbiotti Funeral Home in Exeter, PA, on Tuesday, October 25 from 4-8 PM with a funeral mass Wednesday, October 26 at Saint Anthony's of Padua Parish. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Wyoming, PA.
The family requests memorial donations be made to The Salvation Army, the ASPCA, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Ryan was a unique individual and beyond his many talents and abilities, all who knew him will remember him for his selflessness, kindness, and unquenchable spirit. He saw the good in everyone and held firm to the belief that nothing was impossible, and proved that in every aspect of his life. His warm and endless kindness made everyone feel like they were best friends, and left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.