Paul Jones III, a well-known member of the South Fork community who worked as a real estate agent with The Corcoran Group, died from Covid-related complications on Friday, February 26. He was just 40 years old.
Jones, who was diagnosed with Covid-19 in October, was hospitalized in February due to extreme fatigue and trouble breathing, according to a GoFundMe account set up to raise money for his family, including his three children, Jonesie, 13, Tatyana, 8, and Asher, 22 months. His heart stopped during surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital and he was placed on life support, dying days later.
Susan Ryan, a Compass agent who used to work at Corcoran, posted on social media that he was “larger than life” and “just pure light and sunshine.”
Jones, who was born and raised in East Hampton, worked in the restaurant and entertainment business for two decades — many will remember him from the door at Hamptons clubs and bars, such as the Stephen Talkhouse. He was also an estate manager and recently started his own business.
“There is nothing you couldn’t do — a man that literally was gifted with so many, many talents, but also with a heart that could never say no to a friend in need. I always came to you for help and without fail, you would be there,” Ryan wrote.”
His fiancée, Alexandra “Sasha” Saland, wrote in an update in the GoFundMe that, “The hole in my heart is unbearable, but the memories of him will live forever. He was a man that brightened everyone’s day just by walking into the room with a huge smile on his face. He was so kind to so many, so compassionate to other people.”
No service has been immediately scheduled. “To honor his memory we decided not to have a wake, but to have a huge party/memorial this summer. Tentatively his Birthday (June 30th), hopefully we all can be together again by then,” Saland wrote.
Other members of tfiancéehe community weighed in, as well, including local musician and Stephen Talkhouse icon Nancy Atlas: “Thank you for always keeping my band safe my friend. Offstage, Your smile and spirit were constant and bright. Heaven has gained a true angel and you will be so deeply missed.”
She also asked that in his honor, “please keep up your mask wearing and distance. This virus is not over wreaking havoc and taking lives.”
So far, the GoFundMe is at $104,000 with a $150,000 goal. Click here to donate.
