Obituary : Roger B. Stone
Roger Bagloe "Stonie" Stone died on September 22 at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital after an extended illness. He was 83. His loved ones were by his side.
Roger was born February 20, 1925 in Winthrop to Dr. Frederick W. and Harriet Grace (Bagloe) Stone. He was a 1942 graduate of Winthrop High School. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps., serving as a Crew Chief / Gunner on B-25 Bombers and SB 2C Dive-Bombers.
After the war, he met and married his beloved wife of 54 years Marion Palermo of Saugus, who predeceased him in 2001. They lived in Winthrop, and then moved to West Peabody. During this time he owned and operated Stones Atlantic Automotive Service Station.
Roger's grandparents, Samuel and Susan Stone of Attleboro, were long-time members of the Martha's Vineyard Campground Association. While growing up he visited them often at their cottage on Commonwealth Avenue, where he developed his love of the Island. Later he and his bride would honeymoon there.
During the 1950s Roger returned to the Island often, to fish during the derby and for family vacations. In 1959 he and Marion and their three boys moved from West Peabody to Vineyard Haven.
Roger was employed at Dietz & Meekins Garage in Edgartown, then the Martha's Vineyard Shipyard and also Machine and Marine in Vineyard Haven.
In 1977 Roger and Marion decided to sell it off, pack it up, and move to Hawaii where they lived for four years. The Dillingham Shipyard employed Roger. After leaving Hawaii they bought a motor home named "The Rolling Stone" and traveled the country, finally settling in Hilton Head, S.C. They also moved to Ozark, Ala., for a short time before returning north to Cape Cod. They bought a house in Centerville where they lived until Marion's Death in 2001. Roger then moved back to the Island, residing at Woodside Village until the time of his death.
Roger was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a hard working, honest man of integrity and values. He lived his life by the "do unto others" rule. He was quick to make lifelong friends wherever he traveled. Roger was an inspiration to his family and others whose lives he touched. Roger B. Stone was just a nice guy. Those who knew and loved him will miss him.
His brother Ronald B. Stone predeceased him in 1984.
Survivors include Helen Estabrook of Vineyard Haven, his loving friend and companion during his final years; three sons, John Stone and his wife Wendy of Ozark, Ala., Kenneth Stone and his wife Paula of Hartford Ala., Barry Stone and his partner and companion Rebecca Cohen of Lambert's Cove; one niece, Tiffany (Stone) Colon of Mich.; eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
His funeral service took place on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs, followed by burial with full military honors offered by the Veteran's of Martha's Vineyard in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven.
Donations may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, 1 Bromfield St., Boston, MA 02108. Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home. For more information and an online guest book, visit ccgfuneralhome.com.
