A former Pennsylvania Republican Party chairman who served as a Cabinet secretary under six governors has died.

Clifford Jones died early Wednesday morning after a long battle with prostate cancer at his home in Mechanicsburg, according to Myers-Harner Funeral Home. He was 80.

Jones served as secretary of commerce, labor and industry, and environmental resources. He was chairman of the Public Utility Commission and headed the Governor's Action Team early in Gov. Ed Rendell's administration.

Jones also served as president of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

He is survived by his second wife, Carole Davidson Jones; three children, one stepson and their spouses; and several grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Quivey Jones.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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