Read the obituary for WBZ reporter Lana Jones
“Lana lived a full life of working hard and smart.”
Veteran WBZ news reporter Lana Jones is being remembered by her loved ones for her belief “in the genuine goodness in people.” Jones died suddenly Wednesday of an aortic tear, according to her obituary. “She spent nearly 30 years, until her passing, at WBZ NewsRadio1030 as a reporter,” her family wrote in their tribute to the 62-year-old. “She covered stories as far ranging as the JFK Jr. plane crash off Martha’s Vineyard, Worcester warehouse fire, 9/11 in lower Manhattan, Boston priest sex-abuse scandal, elevation of Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley in Rome, Boston Marathon bombings, Whitey Bulger trial, and thousands more. She was equally committed to the daily stories regarding the people who make up the fabric of New England.”Read the full obituary for the award-winning journalist, shared by Mercadante Funeral Home, below:
Lana Jones-D’Agostino died suddenly on Wednesday of an aortic tear. As a well-respected, award-winning journalist, wife, sister, aunt, daughter, friend, and strong, independent woman, Lana will be missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and by her husband of 35 years, Steven Jones-D’Agostino.
Lana was born in Warren, Ohio to Agnes A. Jones (dec.), nurse, and Robert W. Jones (dec.), attorney at law. In addition to Steve, she is survived by sister Terry (Albert), brothers Robert and Michael (Megan), nieces Melanie (Bryan) and Madison, and grandniece Zadie. She will also be missed by a large family of in-laws, Michael D’Agostino (Pat), Mark D’Agostino (Vicky), and Gary D’Agostino (Kim Nelson); nieces and nephews Nicholas (Arianne), Kelly (Michael), Scott (Valerie), Charissa (Luke), Adam, Alexander and Antonio; and grandniece Estelle.
Tributes from Lana’s work colleagues as well as federal, state, and local officials flooded broadcast airways and social media lauding her legacy of work, professionalism, and dedication to fair, accurate journalism. She spent nearly 30 years, until her passing, at WBZ NewsRadio1030 as a reporter. She covered stories as far ranging as the JFK Jr. plane crash off Martha’s Vineyard, Worcester warehouse fire, 9/11 in lower Manhattan, Boston priest sex-abuse scandal, elevation of Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley in Rome, Boston Marathon bombings, Whitey Bulger trial, and thousands more. She was equally committed to the daily stories regarding the people who make up the fabric of New England.
Lana’s radio career began in Toledo, Ohio while she attended Bowling Green State University. Initially studying special education, she started at the university radio station during her first term as a freshman. After working in Toledo and then Warren, Ohio, she was drawn to New England and fell in love with Worcester, Boston and the coast of Maine — and a fellow reporter, Steve D’Agostino. They met on the day John Lennon died in 1980. They were married three years later.
Lana lived a full life of working hard and smart. She and Steve traveled the world. She loved and advocated for her family and wide circle of friends. She found joy in cooking, gardening, crossword puzzles, and hosting holidays — especially, Thanksgivings — turning their home in Worcester into the family homestead.
Inspired by her father’s love of the law, Lana believed in the genuine goodness of people, and had a particular passion for increasing public awareness of the legal system and highlighting social-justice issues. In lieu of flowers, Lana would encourage a donation of time or money be made to CASA Worcester County (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a non-profit organization committed to speaking for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Worcester County courts. Learn more at www.casaworcestercounty.org.
Steve is proud and honored to call Lana his best friend, the love of his life, and his spiritual partner. To him, she died tall in the saddle, pursuing her calling with passion and joy. While she may have signed off, her powerful and positive impact on our own stories continues.
Receiving hours with prepared speakers will be held Friday, May 4, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mercadante Funeral Home, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605.
Additional prepared speakers and an open microphone for shared memories and celebration of Lana will continue from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Grill on the Hill, 1929 Skyline Dr. (Green Hill Golf Course), Worcester, MA 01605.
