Teddy Bear Toss in Memory of Scott Jones. photo by Loretta Rodgers
by Loretta Rodgers.
When the Aston Rebels Ice Hockey team scored its first goal about ten minutes into the first period of Sunday’s game against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights at the Ice Works skating complex, about 100 teddy bears were simultaneously thrown on to the ice.
The excitement was obvious, but no more than among the family of recently deceased firefighter, EMT and former U.S. Marine corporal Scott Jones.
“Scott would have loved this,” said his mother Cathy. “These past few weeks have been very difficult for all of us, but the support we have received has been of great comfort to me and my family. We are grateful beyond words.”
Jones, 32, a life-long township resident, was killed in a two vehicle crash in Edgmont Township in the early morning hours of Nov. 28. A member of the Aston Township Fire Department, Jones also ran with the Newtown Square Fire Company as a firefighter/EMT. He was also a career firefighter/EMT with the Media Fire Hook and Ladder Company.
Sunday’s event was the brainchild of Aston resident Pamela Morelli, a 2001 Sun Valley High School graduate and classmate of Jones.
“I was looking at Facebook and saw a similar event where teddy bears were tossed on the ice when a goal was made,” Morelli said. “I thought it would be a good event to have in Scott’s honor, so I called Aston Fire Department Chief Mike Evans and it took off from there.”
In turn, Evans called Upper Chichester resident George Nardone, a staunch Rebels fan who is friends with the team’s owner. Nardone said the Rebels and the Ice Works Skating Club were very happy to be involved in honoring Jones memory.
Morelli said the teddy bears will be donated to Aston children in need and all toys donated were given to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, which was near and dear to Jones heart. Morelli added that the event will be held annually in Jones honor.
Prior to the start of the game, a Marine Corps honor guard took to the ice for the playing of the national anthem, followed by dropping of the puck by Scott’s mother, Cathy; his sister Samanthe and twin brother, Kene.
One of eight children, Jones and his family are well known in Aston Township and the surrounding communities. The family is extremely service oriented as their chosen professions include police officers, EMT’s, firefighters, security, nurses, teachers and day care providers.
Scott’s mother Cathy served on the Penn-Delco School Board, and is currently a member of the Aston Township Planning Commission. And his deceased father, Ron, also a volunteer firefighter, served in the U.S. Marines and for years prior to his death, visited local high school to speak about his experiences as a Vietnam veteran.
All of the Jones family were on-hand for the hockey game, including in-laws and grandchildren.
“Scott would be so incredibly honored at all of this outpouring of love,” Cathy said. “We miss him so much and there is a void in our family. I would like to express my appreciation to the organizers of this event as well as to all those kind people who have taken the time to write, call and send messages of sympathy. We are so blessed with the people in our lives.”
Event Photos
(by Loretta Rodgers)
