East Boston Community Soup Kitchen Volunteer Dies at 28

A young East Boston man that dedicated his freetime feeding the poor and homeless at the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen (EBCSK) has died.

Bruce Jones, died suddenly on Tuesday April 28 at his home in East Boston. Jones who worked full time at Burger King in Eastie had finished his shift the previous day but when his mom, Carlotta Jones, tried to wake him the next day he was gone. He was 28 years old.

Longtime East Boston Community Soup Kitchen Volunteer Bruce Jones surrounded by
his second family at the soup kitchen where he volunteered every Tuesday serving food,
washing dishes and helping to comfort the poor and homeless.

“We were hit with the passing of one of our most devoted volunteers, Bruce Jones, who would come in every Tuesday evening and quietly position himself to wash dishes, and he wouldn’t leave until there was not one dirty dish left,” said the EBCSK staff in a statement. “Our most heartfelt condolences to his mother and friends. You will be greatly missed,”

Those who knew Jones remember him as a gentle and kind young man who loved his family, friends and the Eastie community.  He volunteered faithfully at the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen serving food, washing dishes or doing whatever else was needed. 

Known for his warm spirit and easy going attitude, he was also involved with the Harborkeepers and a member of Assemblies of God church, and was employed at Burger King on Bennington Street in East Boston.

“I can’t believe he’s gone,” said Harborkeepers Founder and Director Magdelena La Battaglia. “He was the sweetest and I will miss him terribly.”

Friends and family are asking people to help his mother pay for the funeral expenses and have set up a GoFundMe account at www.gofundme.com/f/bruce-jones-memorial-fund?So far the fundraising effort has raised over $3,800 towards a $5,000 goal as of Tuesday.

“This young man is gone too soon,” said longtime Eastie activist Gail Miller. “Please share and show Bruce some Eastie love as he showed so many in his short life. Donations large or small are so appreciated. His void will be felt especially to his community wide network.”

Jones was also a talented artist and had attended the New England School of Art.  According to those who knew him he loved drawing, playing basketball and listening to heavy metal on his signature headphones he wore while working at the Community Soup Kitchen.

Jones was Beloved son of Carlotta (Shade) Jones of East Boston and the late Bruce Allen Jones.  He was the brother of the late Lakisha Shade.

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