ROCKFORD — David J. Stone, 86, of Rockford, passed away peacefully in his home on Dec. 12, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Nov. 3, 1932 to Nate and Helen Stone in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and raised in Rockford.
He attended St. Peter Grade School and graduated from St. Thomas High School, class of 1950, where he played on the varsity baseball team all four years. He continued onto the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business. Due to his love of education, David also earned a Master’s of History at Northern Illinois University.
In 1961, he married the love of his life, Mary Ella (Culhane) and together they raised four wonderful children.
David owned and operated several Stone’s Hallmark stores in the Rochelle, Freeport and Rockford areas. He was a beloved and trusted business owner. Through his integrity and compassion, he created a strong bond with his employees.
He had a passion for Notre Dame football, reading history books, traveling with his wife to Europe, and in his early days, flying around in his prized Cessna. His most endearing qualities included his great sense of humor, adventurous spirit, and compassion for others. All that knew him loved him, and enjoyed his endless, entertaining stories, along with his empathetic nature. He was modest yet had every reason to be praised.
David is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ella Stone; his children, Steve, Michael, Daniel and Katy Stone; grandchildren, Alexander, Lucas and Makayla Stone, Olivia and Jemma Offer, and Rey Gilardez; great-grandchild, Elias Stone; sister, Marilyn McPherson; son-in-law, Nic Offer; daughter-in-law, Linda Stone; brothers-in-law, Mark (Cher) Culhane, Dick (Lee) Culhane; sisters-in-law, Libby (Joe) Keating, Hind Culhane, and many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.
David is predeceased by his parents and brothers-in-law Johnny Culhane and John McPherson.
His visitation will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a rosary to follow at 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford. The funeral service will be held at Cathedral of St. Peter on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.
We are deeply grateful for the compassion and care given to David and his family by the Mercy Health Hospice system.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cystinosis Research Foundation. In David’s words “Onward we go.”