Richard L. “Ricky” Jones

MILFORD — Richard L. “Ricky” Jones, 55, passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2026, at his residence. He was born February 18, 1971, in Bangor, the son of Malcolm W. and Donna R. (O’Neill) Jones.

Ricky was a man who knew what it meant to struggle, to fall, and to find the strength to keep moving forward. Throughout his life, he faced demons that were not always visible to those around him. His family wishes to speak openly about his death by suicide, while also reminding everyone that the way Ricky died does not define the life he lived or the people he touched along the way.

Ricky was deeply committed to Narcotics Anonymous and was an active and dedicated member of NA Maine. He served as a sponsor to many, offering his time, experience, encouragement, and friendship to people who were walking their own difficult roads. He traveled to other states to support NA chapters and was steadfast in his belief in the importance of helping others. For many people, Ricky was someone they could call, someone who would listen, and someone who understood that recovery is a journey measured one day at a time.

His commitment to helping others was one of the most meaningful parts of his life. He knew firsthand that people can carry struggles that others cannot see, and he worked to remind those around him that they did not have to face those struggles alone.

Outside of his work with NA, Ricky owned and operated a painting business in the greater Bangor area for many years. He was a proud graduate of Bucksport High School, where he played baseball, basketball, and football. In his adult years, he continued to enjoy the camaraderie of sports, playing softball and basketball whenever he could. He loved his dogs, Ellie and Charlie, who were faithful companions and an important part of his life. Ricky also had a strong faith in God, a faith that remained an important part of who he was.

He is survived by his mother, Donna; his sisters, Janet Ames and her husband, Ed, and Lori Hall and her husband, Mike; his nieces and nephews, Josh Ames and Tabitha, Chris Ames and Erica, Jennifer Goode and Johnny, and Nicci Nightingale and Corey; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Jacon, Brianna, Kaleb, and Bryce.

He was predeceased by his father, Malcolm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ricky’s memory to Narcotics Anonymous at na.org or to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at AFSP.org.

If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988.