Walter R. Jones, 70, Philadelphia contractor known as ‘Walt the roofer’
Mr. Jones was known throughout Philadelphia for his integrity and always being present on the job. A customer on Angie's List said Walt's Roofing sent her a thank-you note after completing a job.
Walter Robert Jones, 70, of Glassboro, a Philadelphia contractor known to customers as “Walt the Roofer,” died of a possible stroke Friday, May 3, at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden, his family said.
He had undergone double bypass surgery for a heart ailment in January but was recovering routinely. There was no autopsy.
For 23 years, ending with his retirement in 2017, Mr. Jones provided roof construction and repairs, waterproofing, and skylight installation for residential and commercial customers under the name Walt’s Roofing. Before that, he worked for another roofer.
“He did the roof on our home and our funeral home,” said Tawana Ford Sabbath, a director at the Walter E. Sabbath Jr. Funeral Service in Philadelphia, which is handling Mr. Jones’ arrangements. “We knew him as ‘Walt the Roofer.’ ”
When he incorporated his own business in Germantown in 1994, Mr. Jones was cautiously optimistic that the enterprise would succeed. Over the years, it exceeded his expectations.
“He took great pride and care in how he approached his roofing business,” his family said. He was known for being honest and always on the job, overseeing his crew of three to five workmen while his wife, Earlene Kendrick-Jones, handled the office work.
Mr. Jones contracted with the Philadelphia Housing Authority and the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp. While on the job, he treated agency officials and occupants of public housing with equal dignity and respect, his family said.
For the 13 years before retiring, he had been on Angie’s List, the website that publishes crowd-sourced reviews of business and contractors. “Replaced my sun porch roof,” one client wrote. “For the first time, I received a thank-you card after services were completed.”
Born in Westmoreland County, Va., he was the only child of Ida G. Jones. The two moved to Philadelphia, and he attended the city’s public schools.
Because he worked much of the time, he valued his leisure, using it for saltwater fishing. His favorite catches were sea bass and flounder.
“He thoroughly enjoyed fishing, and always commented about being the best angler out there,” his family said. “Walt owned a couple of boats over the years. Visiting different mariners and going out on the water was a good time for him.”
Mr. Jones set aside time each morning to pray and think about his mother, to whom he was devoted. She died in 2011 at age 80.
Mr. Jones shared his mother’s skill in the garden. “He looked forward to the season change, eager to start his plantings,” his family said. “He spent his last day tending to his beautiful garden.”
Mr. Jones married Kendrick-Jones in 1990. The two lived in Philadelphia before moving to Williamstown in 1995 and Glassboro in 2011. They enjoyed bowling and going to Atlantic City.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Lenkyttea Barber; a stepdaughter, Djenaba Kendrick; sons Thomas, Robert, and Tyrone; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
A viewing starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 9, will be followed by a 10 a.m. life celebration at Triumph Baptist Church, 1648 W. Hunting Park Ave. Interment will be in Fernwood Cemetery, Lansdowne.