Requiescat in Pace, Charles "Chip" Jones '74.

We mourn the loss of Chip, a successful businessman with a long history of service to Canisius High School and several other Western New York community groups.

A former chair of the CHS Board of Trustees and an inductee into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor, he embraced the Jesuit motto of being a "Man for Others" by serving on the boards of many charities and organizations, including NativityMiguel School and Peaceprints of WNY.

"He was a man of deep faith who knew well that faith is best expressed in action, and for Chip this meant a life lived in the service of others," said President Fr. David Ciancimino, S.J.

"He cherished his beautiful family and considered Canisius part of his extended family. He was unfailing in his support and care for Canisius and we will miss him and his warm presence dearly."  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Joseph's Cathedral, 50 Franklin St. 

Read The Buffalo News obituary.

This is Jones' acceptance speech upon his induction into our Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor in 2019: 

"I offer heartfelt thanks for inclusion in the Canisius High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor.  I am most humbled to share this honor with our current and past Hall of Honor alumni.

"As the eldest son in a family of eight, I was most blessed to share the love of two devout parents, Gary and Dolores, both strongly committed to the value of a Catholic education. As my education began at Mount Saint Joseph, I soon realized the care and commitment bestowed upon me and my classmates by the dear Sisters of Saint Joseph. Nine years of their precious nurture, and exposure to an occasional firm and necessary disciplinary skill, helped prepare me for my four formative years at Canisius High School.

"It is here, at this school, with its dedicated religious and lay teachers, that causes me to recall the impact of those years on all facets of my life. My academic future, career choice, community involvement, and family life accomplishments have all been influenced by my passing through those famous blue doors. I am most grateful to all the teachers and staff who touched my mind and heart during those formative years of my life.

"My exposure to a Jesuit education prompted me to continue my studies at Canisius College. There, exposed to excellent professors of business and finance, I gained the skills necessary to begin my electrical construction business, Wittburn Enterprises, Inc.

"I am also most grateful to Canisius High School’s focus on becoming 'a Man for Others.' Commitment to this mindset has afforded me the opportunity to serve on numerous boards and organizations throughout our Western New York community. I am also thankful to these organizations for allowing me to be of service.

"Finally, I extend many thanks to my friends and family. 

"Bill Koessler ’74 and I shared classrooms and teachers from kindergarten through graduation from Canisius High School. We remain close friends today and I appreciate his support and friendship dearly.

"Another dear friend, Bill Collins, although a bit misguided in his high school years at St. Joe’s Collegiate, continues to provide cherished support and friendship in my life. Thankfully, Bill has seen the Jesuit light and currently is 'a man for others' as the Vice President of Institutional Development at Canisius College.

"Many thanks to my wife, Marylou; her help and support is both full and constant; and to my children, Micaela and Mike: your presence in my life has made me a better man and I am most grateful."