State Archaeologist Brian Jones ’98 Ph.D., associate extension professor of anthropology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, passed away this month. Jones led the Connecticut Office of the State Archaeologist since 2014, and received his Ph.D. in anthropology from UConn in 1998.

Jones’s passion for Connecticut history and archaeology made him a beloved mentor and educator.

“Brian was a scholar, a teacher, and a very thoughtful, kind man,” said Pamela Erickson, professor and head of the Department of Anthropology. “He was such an asset to Anthropology, to UConn, and to Connecticut. He will be missed.”

“Brian was (and will always be) a true archaeologist passionate about his work, happily sifting through the earth and finding some new clue about our shared history,” said Gary Aronsen, a research associate in the Department of Anthropology. “His enthusiasm was evident and infectious.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Indian College Fund.

A celebration of Jones’s life will be held August 4, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the upstairs hall at the Irish American Home Society in Glastonbury.

Read Jones’s full obituary and memoriam in the Hartford Courant.