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 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.
Preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Frank and Rose Gubbiotti, and his paternal grandfather Harry Jones.
Ryan is survived by his his mother Marilyn Gubbiotti of Exeter, PA, his father Lee Jones of Scranton, PA, his brother Brett Jones, Reston, Va., Ryan's fiance Essay (Sarah Alice) Hood., Nashville .
Funeral services will be at 10:00am Wednesday October 26,2011 from the Gubbiotti Funeral Home , 1030 Wyoming Ave.,Exeter, PA,with a funeral mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am at Saint Anthony's of Padua Church, Exeter. The Rev. Michael Piccola will serve as celebrant.
Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carverton,PA.
The family requests memorial donations be made to The Salvation Army, 214 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston,, the ASPCA, or 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.
I open my mouth to the Lord, and I won’t turn back.
For those of us who had the privilege to know him, Ryan “Troop” Jones was nothing short of a phenomenon. You see, there was just something about him. He wasn’t your average person; he wasn’t your average guy. In fact, Ryan was much more than that. He was everything a mother would want in her son, everything a father would want in a future son-in-law, everything a teacher would want to become of his or her student, and everything a friend would want in another friend.
At the age of three, when other kiddos were busy collecting toy cars and trucks, Ryan was busy finding his love, his passion, and his excellence as a classical violinist. As a senior in high school, when other teens were too worried about the latest gossip, Ryan was playing alongside the revered Charlie Daniels at the Kirby Center. In his 20’s, when others his age were consumed with partying and crazy lifestyles, Ryan took a chance, packed his bags, and headed to Nashville. Armed with a fiddle and some flair, Ryan found his calling, and he certainly wasn’t going to turn back.
I will go. I shall go.
In 2005, Ryan joined the country music band, LoCash Boys. He had made it. The young boy from Exeter who once performed on the stage at Wyoming Area was now a touring musician, making a living and a life for himself doing what he loved. His enthusiasm for life spilled over in his performances. Ryan was a true artist. He understood what it felt like to have the “need to create” and was able to share his creations with everyone he touched. Ryan was known throughout the music community as the musician who twirled his bow, tossed it in the air, and never failed to sing out loud to the song in his heart.
I’ll see what the end is going to be.
Ryan lived his life to the fullest every day. He was an unbelievable talent and a gentle soul. Everyone who knew him loved him. When you spoke to him, he actually listened. If you were down on your luck, he’d be right there to pick you back up. He was a true gentleman, a class act.
Ryan left us on October 19 to share his talent with a new audience in the heavens above.
To Ms. Marilyn Gubbiotti, Ryan’s beloved mother: I know that words cannot heal. All I will say is thank you; thank you for bringing Ryan into this world and for raising such a wonderful son.
Know that he left a beautiful mark on every person he met.
Know that he will never be forgotten.
Know that Ryan’s “Army” is right here…right beside you…every step of the way.
I open my mouth to the Lord, and I won’t turn back.
I will go. I shall go.
I’ll see what the end is going to be.
Sincerely,
Jessica Sabol
Published: Sunday Dispatch 10.23.11
Charitable donations may be made in Ryan's memory to the following organization:
Salvation Army
http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/mas
147 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116
Tel: 617 542 5420
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