SHERBURNE – Donald E. Stone, 86, of School St., passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the New York State Veterans’ Home, Oxford, where he had been a resident for several years.
He was born Nov. 17, 1922 in Smyrna, a son of Elmer and Ruth Foster Stone, and was a graduate of Smyrna High School in 1941. He joined the U.S. Army in January 1943, proudly serving his country during WWII in the European Theater. On Dec. 9, 1945, Donald married Doris J. Schmidt in Sherburne, where they made their home and raised their family. Doris predeceased him on April 28, 1999. Don had worked at the I.L. Richer Feed Store for over 23 years, and then for Victory Markets in Norwich for 18 years until his retirement. Don was a former member of the National Rifle Association.
Surviving are his children, Judy and Dick Losee of Sherburne; Joyce and Gerald Seifert of Norwich; James and Brenda Stone, John and Lisa Stone, all of Sherburne; grandchildren, Dawn, Lori, Jerry, Sarah, Tyler, Travis and Adam Stone, Brian Losee and Jennifer Seifert; great-grandchildren, Christopher and Madelyn Stone, Sienna Romero, Gavin and Ethan Losee, Gabrielle Ingraham, and Ava Bohnert; a daughter-in-law, Freda (Bob) Stone Holbitz of South New Berlin; his very close friend, John Wonka and his family; and several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Robert Decker. He was predeceased by a son, Jerry L. Stone, a sister, Rita Decker, and a brother, Raymond Stone.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne, followed by burial with military honors in the Willcox Cemetery, Smyrna.
Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Food Bank, In Memory of Don Stone and Rita Decker, 3294 State Hwy 8, South New Berlin, NY 13843.
To send condolences to Don’s family or sign the Book of Memories go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.