W. Merritt Jones, 85, Fraunces Tavern director

W. Merritt Jones, 85, of Ridgefield, husband of Emilie (Bidlingmeyer) Jones, died on Saturday, December 6, 2003 at Danbury Hospital shortly after his admission.

Mr. Jones was born in Utica, New York, June 21, 1918, son of Griffith D. and Winifred (Francis) Jones. He attended New York state schools, Columbia University and graduated from Pace University.

A decorated World War II U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, Mr. Jones was a retired executive director of the historic Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan, NY. Prior, Mr. Jones was the financial vice-president of Pace University.

A Ridgefield resident since 1954 coming from Westchester County, NY, he was active in the Ridgefield community and was a past president of the Great Pond Club and a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry Board as well as president of its Men’s Club. Proud of his Welsh heritage, he was a member of the St. David’s Society.

In addition to his wife Emilie, three daughters survive him, Elise J. Montanari and her husband Arthur of Bethel, CT, Sandra E. Lilly and her husband Steven of Ashfield, MA and Karen A. McDonald and her husband Scott of Truckee, CA, five granddaughters and a great grandson.

A brother Ralph H. Jones predeceased Mr. Jones.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday at 11AM in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Ridgefield.

Interment will take place in the spring.

Friends will be received in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield on Wednesday from 5PM to 8PM.

Memorials to one’s own favorite charity would be appreciated.