Obituary of Russell A. Stone

Tobyhanna, PA — Russell A. Stone of Pocono Farms, Tobyhanna, died at his home May 4, 2015. He had suffered for many years from heart disease. He would have marked his 78th birthday July 15. Mr. Stone was born in Massachusetts and grew up there in Needham, where he graduated from high school. He then went into the U.S. Air Force. Following his discharge he moved to Long Island, New York where he worked for many years for Pan American Airways as an airplane mechanic and supervisor. He was part of an elite group that was chosen to work on the Boeing 747 when that aircraft was being prepared to be introduced to commercial flight. He later worked for Evergreen International Airways. In 1966 he married Kathleen (O'Connor) of Baldwin, New York; they lived in Laurelton, Freeport, Baldwin, and Amityville, New York before retiring to the home they had built at Pocono Farms. Their son Gerald was born in 1967. A skilled and meticulous handyman in his spare time, Mr. Stone had a special love of woodworking and built much of the furniture for his homes as well as pieces for friends and family members. He was also an avid sports fan with a special love for ice hockey. Widowed in December, 2014, he was also preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Allen Stone, and by his brother, Gerald. He is survived by his son, Gerald A. Stone of Woodbury, Connecticut; his daughter-in-law, Shelly Stone and granddaughters, Megan and Emma Stone, all of Woodbury. A visitation for Mr. Stone will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 4 at St. Ann's Church, Main Street, Tobyhanna. The Reverend Father Gregory Loughney will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, June 5 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Mr. Stone's memory to Alzheimer's research or a charity of the donor's choice.