Robert (Bob) Clarence Jones of Boston, died on November 17, 2025 at the age of 77.

A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Bob had a profound love of learning at an early age. His brothers recall that as a teenager, Bob read the entire set of Encyclopedia Brittanica books in one year and he could be found at the library every two weeks returning the books he had read and taking out new ones. Bob’s thirst for knowledge led him to Yale University and then to Brandeis University where he graduated in 1971 with a degree in African and Afro-American Studies and completed his master’s degree in 1975. Bob was part of the 1969 occupation of Ford Hall where Black students advocated for and demanded specific action to create a more inclusive collegiate environment that fostered and nurtured Black excellence.

Beginning at age 5, Bob learned to cook from his mother and grandmother and that skill would bloom brightly with each passing year. Many of us recall the hours Bob spent in the kitchen bent over a hot stove making from scratch challah bread, rice pilaf with freshly shelled pistachios and raisins, roasted lamb, duck and pork, stirring something in a pot, glasses foggy with steam, preparing sweet and savory cuisines from Jamaica, Vietnam, Morocco, and the American South. As a wine aficionado and sommelier, Bob’s nose and palate for the nectar of the grape led to his collection and enjoyment of the finest wines savored with friends and family.

Although he could be a foodie snob, that only made him more endearing because his snobbery reflected his true passion for good food paired with good wine. (And if you added some reggae tunes, 60’s R&B, or Afrobeats with a little dancing, all the better!)

Bob was a man of the community within his beloved city of Boston. From 1982 to 1991, Bob served as Chief of Staff and Spokesperson for the late Boston City Council President Bruce C. Bolling. As part of Councilor Bolling’s staff, Bob coordinated several successful renewal projects that directed millions in federal grants to Roxbury and Dorchester.

Around 1991, Bob began working for the city’s Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) where he steadfastly worked until his retirement in 2018.

During his tenure as a Community Development Coordinator, he collaborated on hundreds of housing projects, directly helping to create more than 2,000 affordable housing units throughout Boston’s neighborhoods.

He was particularly proud of the Cottage Brook apartments and Alexander Magnolia project. Bob enjoyed making sure that lower income residents were represented to the fullest. In addition, Bob served within the Hancock Street Civic Association (HSCA) for decades.

His sense of architectural style, knowledge of construction, and his experience within DND made him a valued critic of any proposed development.

“It has to be contextual!” was Bob’s frequent cry when a building was proposed that might have fit better in New York City than in Upham’s Corner.

Even as his eyesight worsened, Bob painstakingly produced the monthly HSCA minutes. He never lost his cool — or his sense of humor — and he brought a measured calm to every interaction with others. Bob was a treasured son of Mother Boston and a Good Neighbor to us all.

In 1979, while teaching at Brandeis University, Bob was introduced to Yvonne Blake. Unbeknownst to them at the time, they would become enjoined for over 40 years.

Bob and Yvonne were truly partners in love and partners in life. Whether they were hosting raucous, multi-course, wine-filled birthday and holiday celebrations, managing and renovating rental properties, or taking long, brisk walks around Castle Island, Bob and Yvonne did it together.

When they weren’t in Jamaica, St. Johns, Barbados, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico, or Bermuda, Bob and Yvonne traveled throughout the United States and the world: Mexico, Hawaii, England, Washington DC, Spain, California, France, Maryland, Italy, Seattle, Panama, Georgia, and most recently Morocco. As Bob’s vision continued to dim later in life and he struggled with various health ailments, Yvonne became his staunchest medical advocate. Yvonne was not only Bob’s partner and wife, she was also his heart.

Bob’s quiet affection for his family and friends will be greatly missed. He was never shy with hugs, a kind word, a generous smile, a twinkle in his eye, an approving nod, and a softly spoken “Love you.”

Bob was preceded in death by his mother Naomi C. Jones, father R.C. Jones, grandmother Melvy Spates, and grandfather George S. Walton.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Yvonne Jones, three daughters Kimya Jones Darlington (Theodore) of Washington, DC, Mitzi Jones of Atlanta, GA, and Sathima Jones (Andre) of Chelsea, MA; three brothers Harvey Jones (Cariola) of Vicksburg, MS, Melvin Johnson (Angela) of Canton, OH and Danny Johnson (Maryanne) of Upper Marlboro, MD; and two grandchildren Niko Hamilton Jones and Asa Darlington. “Uncle Bob” (as he was affectionately known) also leaves behind an extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws throughout the United States, the U.K., and Jamaica as well as friends who were cherished for decades.