It is with a heavy heart, I must share with you the news, my close friend, Gary Jones passed away the morning of Saturday, June 18th, just one day before Father’s Day. He was surrounded by family and left this world peacefully, a fitting departure for a graceful man.
Gary, not just my good friend, but a true friend to many, was the principal founder of American Dry Stripping and the driving force behind much of it’s 35 years of success. 
Gary leaves behind a legacy of friends who remember him as an honest, honorable man, a man of his word and a man who would be the first in line to help someone in need. With little formal education, Gary ran his business better and more successfully than many with years of training. His employees came first, and he stressed teamwork at every opportunity. When I first took over the business Gary planned a car club event in Milford. I remember him saying we are going to ask the staff to donate their time, no pay, to help run the event. “Let’s see how many are committed to the company and will come.” Of course, they all did, and yes Gary did pay them for their time, but that is the dedication and support his team always gave him. 
When Gary left American Dry Stripping we threw him a big party (about 100 people came). He then took off in a “fixer-upper” RV he had recently purchased for what would become one of two cross country "bucket list" trips. 
A man who held family and family values close he spent the rest of his years living in Florida only a few houses away from his daughter and her family which included two grandsons and happy to be there for them as they grew into their teenage years. 
Gary’s passing is sad in the sense he leaves a void in our lives that is hard to fill. Yet he would be the first to say to us do not to mourn my passing but celebrate the great life I had. Measure me not by my accomplishments or wealth but by the people who I call friends. Gary was rich with friends, and he was loved by all.


Gary was and always will be a friend .spent years going to car shows and hanging out together the fun one every year was the Rhinebeck car show in NY. 3 guy’s in one room all 💤 it was a lot of fun and hard work .Gary always had good advice and
A sense of things that can never be replaced
My wife and I would meet Gary at Lassies in Milford for fish an chips Will be missed never forgotten a true friend and a great man

We wish all family and friends of Gary peace and comfort at this sad time.

Gary would just burst with pride when it came to sharing stories about his family -  his daughter Tina, her husband Chip and his grandsons Conner and Colin, everything from school, sports, work ethics, financial decisions or just playing cards.

They, along with Nonan, worked together like a well-oiled machine, pitching in as one family unit doing whatever needed to be done. They were all amazing- as one and as a group.

We have many fond memories from days past from stock car races in the 1960's to following that perfect band on Saturday nights in the 1970's.  Gary could really "ROCK AND ROLL"

There was the Daytona race trip where we rented Harleys and just had a good time - too many memories to mention...

In the past year there were many talks on the phone chatting about   fun with friends and family to crazy politics but the one thing that stands out in our mind is ... HE NEVER COMPLAINED.  He knew what was coming.  He made the best of the time he had ahead of him. He still had a sense of humor.  He had his family and their love and he had many friends and good people helping him.

May he rest in peace.  Forever in our hearts and on our minds.
Once a friend... always a friend.

Shell and Ele Neilson



My dad was an amazing dad, father-in-law and PopPop. We are grateful for the close relationship that we had and the time that we spent together. So many memories to choose from…canasta games, vacations, birthday celebrations (including the dog’s birthday), holidays and just hanging out together. Once my dad moved to our neighborhood, we saw him just about every day - sometimes a few times in one day! Often, we would drive by his house and he would be in the garage working on something, doing yardwork or just sitting in the chair, looking at the lake. We would pull the car into the driveway and have a visit. As we made phone calls sharing the news of my dad’s passing, everyone had a same response, “Gary was a great friend, he was always willing to help, we had a lot of laughs”. As hard as this time is, we are grateful for the person my dad was and for all that brought joy to his life. He will be missed tons, but always in our hearts! This picture was taken on the Disney Cruise that we all went on together as a family. What an amazing trip! I’m not sure if my dad or the boys ate the most ice cream from the self-serve ice cream maker! Love, Chip, Tina, Conner and Colin

Tina Pfalzgraf

So many good times were had with the Jones family and cars always seemed to be in the conversations. 

5 weeks is all that I knew Gary for, but we developed  a friendship deeper then I have made with people I have known all my life.  We bonded immediately. We spent 3 mornings together for 3 hours and we made a lifetime of memories.  We were like 2 peas in a pod. We’re both neat freaks with a place and reason for everything,  and laughed how no one else understood us!  We had the same wacky personalities, we could talk about any subject,  and then badger each other in fun. 
Women don’t  often find a man that they can be just a friend with. That is rare and special.  I found that relationship in Gary. 
I loved  my close friend Gary and he’ll always be a part of me! 

I believe that when people pass only their bodies leave,  a part of them stays here with us. If you leave your senses open you’ll see little signs and sometimes feel a little something strange happening, and for me, that’s when  I’ll know,  it’s Gary’s messing with me!
You’re tucked away in my heart dear friend….❤️

I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Jones by way of his grandson, Conner. Conner is a teammate and a best friend to my son, also named Connor, by way of our local youth rowing club as well as high school.  Of course Tina and I became friends too! Connor and I enjoyed hearing his stories at regattas. I admired Mr. Jones obvious love and commitment to his family, especially to Tina. His presence will be greatly missed. 

Gary, 
You are always my hero. Thanks for your kind supports and guidance.

Rest in peace, my hero.
Amy Lai


On behalf of the Caldwell Family our sincere condolences to the Jones Family. 

Gary was a long time personal friend and we did a lot of business together. He was a fair, honest and talented Man! It was an honor to know you Gary! 

Our Love and Respect …. Rest In Heavenly Peace🙏🏻🙏🏻💙💙

Great friend and neighbor. Gary was a hard worker he loved  working in his yard. Even towards the end with oxygen tank strap to his shoulder he still climbing the ladder and trimming his trees and taking care of his place. He would sitting in the garage and  look at the pond and read his book. Well my friend Fairwinds and calm seas.  Slow  hand salute. 

Gary and I at the Miami , nascar race!! What a great time

Picture of Gary wearing the t-shirt that a lot of his friends from Westwinds Village signed after Gary sold his place in WestwindsVillage!

Gary will be greatly missed. He was a rare combination of a solid citizen,  a kind and loving father and grandfather, a trusted friend and a very brave man.  The joy he took in his family was palpable. He couldn't have been prouder of his daughter, Tina. Throughout his illness he continued to give of himself to charitable causes as long as he was physically able. In spite of the limitations his illness put on him , he maintained  his positive attitude .  We shared many enjoyable times together  and many Connecticut style lobster rolls. Rest in peace, Gary.

Gary saw a street sign that he had not seen before! ( No words on the sign, just a stick figure holding a shovel.  Gary did not understand the shovel or see how that was a shovel on the sign.) He asked me, “ what was that  sign for”  and I could not resist and said, “ that’s a rare sign!” And then I said,” it a sign that men are working!” So every time when we saw that sign we would both laugh or chuckle!  God bless! And thanks Gary for a lot of good memories these last 4 years!

OBITUARY

Gary Wixted Jones

August 28, 1945 – June 18, 2022

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services