Harry David Jones, age 89, of Carlisle, PA died Friday, February 24, 2012 at Carlisle Regional Medical Center in Carlisle, PA. Born October 25, 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Thomas O. and Hilda Anderson Jones. He was the husband of the late Valerie “Petie” Shorb Jones, his very loving, religious wife of 47 years, who died in 1992.
In 1930, when Harry was 8 years old, his mother died. He, his sister, and 3 older brothers, were raised by their father, who died after Harry’s graduation from high school in 1940. Following high school, Harry joined the U.S. government’s Civilian Conservation Corps, and was sent to the state of Washington to perform reforestation duties. In 1941 he began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a fingerprint classifier.
After World War II began, Harry joined the United States Navy as an aviation cadet in November, 1942. He and other cadets were sent to Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, MD for morning classes in navigation, engines and physics. Afternoons were spent in Waynesboro, PA for flight training. It was during this time that Harry met Valerie “Petie” Shorb of Emmitsburg. He corresponded with her throughout the war years. They married in 1946 after the war ended. Their wedding took place in the Catholic Chapel at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL. Father McMahan, who served with Harry aboard the USS Hornet, conducted the service.
During WWII, Harry served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre as a combat pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Gold Star, Air Medal with 2 Gold Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Award with 2 Battle Stars, and the World War II Victory Ribbon.
After the war, Harry returned to work with the FBI as a Radio Communication Officer. He attended night classes at Southeastern University, earned a degree in Accounting, and was subsequently appointed Special Agent with the Bureau. After a distinguished career of 20 years, he retired from the FBI in 1976. Harry was a past member of the Former Agents of the FBI, the Tailhook Association, Fist of the Fleet Association, USS Hornet Association, the Elks, the Moose, the American Legion, and the VFW.
Surviving are daughters, Sandra Membrino, of Media, PA, Donna Sue Moyer & husband, Steve, of Haddonfield, NJ, Shelly Schubert & husband, Dave, of Aldie, VA, and Sally Ann Currie & husband, William, of Carlisle, PA; grandchildren, Dylan Membrino & wife, Mariah, Carter Membrino & wife, Kristin, Jesse Levine, Andrew & Vincent Logan, and Clara & Emma Currie; great-grandson, Lucas Membrino, and long-time companion, Maria Dickerson of Fairfax County, VA. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Osborne and Ernest Jones.
Harry often expressed to friends, family, and the Lord his gratitude that the Lord had blessed him with a loving wife, loving children & grandchildren, an exciting career, good health, and a long life.
Funeral arrangements are private. A celebration service will be announced at a later time. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8219 Town Center Dr., P.O. Box 43025, Baltimore, MD, 21236.
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In 1930, when Harry was 8 years old, his mother died. He, his sister, and 3 older brothers, were raised by their father, who died after Harry’s graduation from high school in 1940. Following high school, Harry joined the U.S. government’s Civilian Conservation Corps, and was sent to the state of Washington to perform reforestation duties. In 1941 he began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a fingerprint classifier.
After World War II began, Harry joined the United States Navy as an aviation cadet in November, 1942. He and other cadets were sent to Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, MD for morning classes in navigation, engines and physics. Afternoons were spent in Waynesboro, PA for flight training. It was during this time that Harry met Valerie “Petie” Shorb of Emmitsburg. He corresponded with her throughout the war years. They married in 1946 after the war ended. Their wedding took place in the Catholic Chapel at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL. Father McMahan, who served with Harry aboard the USS Hornet, conducted the service.
During WWII, Harry served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre as a combat pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Gold Star, Air Medal with 2 Gold Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Award with 2 Battle Stars, and the World War II Victory Ribbon.
After the war, Harry returned to work with the FBI as a Radio Communication Officer. He attended night classes at Southeastern University, earned a degree in Accounting, and was subsequently appointed Special Agent with the Bureau. After a distinguished career of 20 years, he retired from the FBI in 1976. Harry was a past member of the Former Agents of the FBI, the Tailhook Association, Fist of the Fleet Association, USS Hornet Association, the Elks, the Moose, the American Legion, and the VFW.
Surviving are daughters, Sandra Membrino, of Media, PA, Donna Sue Moyer & husband, Steve, of Haddonfield, NJ, Shelly Schubert & husband, Dave, of Aldie, VA, and Sally Ann Currie & husband, William, of Carlisle, PA; grandchildren, Dylan Membrino & wife, Mariah, Carter Membrino & wife, Kristin, Jesse Levine, Andrew & Vincent Logan, and Clara & Emma Currie; great-grandson, Lucas Membrino, and long-time companion, Maria Dickerson of Fairfax County, VA. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Osborne and Ernest Jones.
Harry often expressed to friends, family, and the Lord his gratitude that the Lord had blessed him with a loving wife, loving children & grandchildren, an exciting career, good health, and a long life.
Funeral arrangements are private. A celebration service will be announced at a later time. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8219 Town Center Dr., P.O. Box 43025, Baltimore, MD, 21236.