Mr. Matthew T. Jones Sr.

- Local barber and friend to all -

WATERBURY – Matthew “Tiny” Jones Sr., age 55, of Waterbury CT, passed away on April 18, 2023, at Waterbury Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, after an extended illness.

Matthew was born in Waterbury, CT, on April 29, 1967, the son of Charles and the late Elese (McCormick) Jones. He was educated in local schools and graduated from Crosby High School in 1985. After graduating, Matthew received his barber license from the Connecticut Institute of Hair Design but began his lifelong career as a barber at the age of 16 years old. In 1987, he became one of the few black business owners in Waterbury when he opened Tiny’s Barber Shop, which would remain a staple in the City of Waterbury for 30+ years. Through his work as a barber and business owner, Matthew established many lifelong friendships. As a master barber, he served as a mentor for many young barbers and hairdressers in the community. Matthew was a skilled fisherman and enjoyed spending time fishing with friends and family in his free time. Matthew had a love for football and was a dedicated coach for a local flag football team for many years. He also loved creating and listening to hip-hop music, drawing, playing billiards, and spending time with his family and friends. Matthew will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory are his two children, Matthew Jones Jr. of St. Clairesville, OH, and Destynie Ireland of Oxford, CT. He also leaves his father, Charles Jones, three granddaughters: Corin Ireland, KaMiyah Jones and Kaisley Jones, three brothers; Mark Vaughn of Chandler, AZ, David Jones of Waterbury, Daniel Jones of Naugatuck, Neapolis Smith, Dr. Ronnie Jones, and Joseph Spears, who were like siblings to him as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family. Matthew was predeceased by his beloved mother, Elese (McCormick) Jones.

The Jones family would like to send a special thank you to all the friends and family who prayed for and supported Matthew through his illness.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St., Waterbury with the Rev. Apostle Royal Moore and Pastoral Team, officiating. Relatives and friends may visit the Jones family on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the service commences at 11:00 a.m. A repast will follow at the NOW office (232 N Elm St). Loving-kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.