Rev. Dr. Gerald Thomas Stone
Sept. 11, 1940 – Apr. 29, 2020
Rev Dr. Gerald Thomas (Jerry) Stone, 79, of Richmond, Va., died at Sunset, April 29, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family after waging a 4-year courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Born in Tupper Lake, NY, he was the son of the late Harry D Stone of Long Lake, NY and Jesse S Benson of Kissimmee, Fla. He grew up in Long Lake, NY & graduated from Long Lake Central HS. After graduation he entered the US Marine Corps where he served in Vietnam. He obtained his BA degree from Houghton College, his Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Divinity from Drew University. He served Churches in the United Church of Christ for 35 years in Texas, Vermont, North Carolina and Virginia. He also served as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force, Air National Guard for 20 years, retiring as Lt. Colonel.
In retirement he enjoyed employment at Pleasant’s Hardware for 10 years, was a Volunteer for Meals on Wheels and was an avid coin collector & genealogist. He was a member of Brother’s & Sister’s of the Way, a Protestant Monastic Retreat Order. He was a Sports fan of the Syracuse Orangemen Basketball Team, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He enjoyed canoeing, hiking, hunting & fishing in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Listening to Classical & Organ Music, attending Concerts, and walks in Deep Run Park were favorite pastimes. He was a world traveler through his Military Assignments and enjoyed European Travel with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Jacquelyn Jones Stone; sons, Mark H Stone of Orlando, FL and Brian L Stone, of Underhill, VT; sister, Sharon S Palmer, Fairfield, ME; brother, David Benson, Orlando FL; sister-in-law, Jeanette A Jones, Richmond; and former wife, Linda Kay Stone, Burlington, VT; nieces, Diana Oldenburg and Linda Carson of Maine, and Katie Benson of Orlando, FL; four grandchildren, Jacinda, Logan, Caden, and Nicholas Stone.
The family would like to give special thanks to Jerry’s colleague, Rev Julian Hall, Hanover, PA, Abby Freeman & Wendy Moore, Senior Bridge, Humana Inc. for their compassionate care along the way, and Bon Secours Hospice Team for the comfort they provided during his final hours.
A memorial service will be held at a future time to be announced. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Brother Jerry was a Member of the Protestant Monastic Order, the Brothers and Sisters of the Way.
I first met Brother Jerry in 1984 on Fisherman’s Island, five miles out of the Boothbay Harbor. The Order
was founded on Fisherman’s Island in 1930, 2020 is the 90th Anniversary of our beloved Order.
Brother Jerry attended 19 retreats, and many, if not all of those I also was privileged to be in attendance.
When his turn as Chaplain came on retreats, his Sisters and Brothers looked forward to the thoughtful and challenging
readings he offered. His presence touched all those who were on retreats with him. He was a blessing to many
people. He had the heart of a Good Shepherd.
Brother Julian Hall, Abbot
Jerry was one of the smartest, sweetest men I have known. I was proud to cLl him my cousin. I will really miss him.
A wonderful friend and family pastor in Richmond, Vermont. His ministry reached out to many; effects still felt today. condolences to Mark and Brian (I used to babysit those boys!) Mary LaRose
Brother Jerry lived a full adventurous life. As a Reverend, he used his thunderous commanding voice to enlightened many hearts and souls. He was a thorough gentleman and a scholar true to United States Marine Corps way of life. He served his beloved nation well spiritually and physically. He was affectionately known as Marine of Marines. “Woody” his beloved cat was at his side to comfort him in time of needs. He never asked much from others, but gave so much to all he met. We love Jerry, his family and will keep them in our prayers. God Bless us all, Amen!
Semper Fidelis, Jamil S. Khan, Lieutenant Colonel United States Marine Corps Retired.
I never met Jerry, but he had a marvelous wife who loved him dearly and devotedly. I am so glad for the times they shared and the memories they created. Love never ends. – Elizabeth Maxwell
Uncle Jerry.. Oh how I loved summer visits to Vermont and your laugh was contagious. I love you so much and heaven just gained a beautiful angel❤
For the months I worked with Jerry he was a caring person. We read the morning devotion before starting our daily activities. Jerry use to love to walk in the mall, park, & no storms around the lake. Jerry loves the Lord he has gone beyond the sunset where no cloud will gather, and no storms will threaten, & no fears annoy. O day,of gladness , o day of unending beyond the sunset is eternal joy. Jerry will be missed,,but God loves him the most. RIPP. Jackie, and Jeanette i feel your loss, but God will comfort you.
semper fi friend and brother marine
to the family of jerry i am so very sorry for your loss
we went to school together jerry graduated with my sister jackie in 1858 i graduated in 1956
jerry came to visit me in udorn thailand marine base in 1962
i look at jerrys photo and he looks much like his dad who i later worked with after the marine corps in tahawus new york..
guy leblanc of long lake and ballston spa new york retired new york state conservation officer
Jerry was the older kid that lived across the road from me. He was nine years my senior. When I was young Jerry would let me play his cornet. Well, tooted it anyway. I’d later become 2nd cornet in Junior Band. Jerry was so nice to me and I’ve never forgotten his kindness. I too can proudly say, Semper Fi brother. Mike
A significant contribution to my life for decades… So many family & holiday memories. You meant more to me than you’ll ever know. See you in Heaven, Papa Stone.
I was interested to hear Brother Jerry was a Marine in Vietnam and that he had a thundering preaching voice, since I knew him only briefly as a sweet, tender soul on a few Brothers and Sisters of the Way retreats we happened to share. I will miss him though!
I know he will rest in peace with his beloved Savior. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
My deepest sympathy to the Stone family. Dear friends. Mr. Stone raised a pair of great sons. I know of no greater tribute.
Jerry was such a wonderful man I am proud to have called him my cousin. He will be missed dearly and my heart goes out to his wife , my cousin Jacquelyn . & his Sister in law Jeannette I remember well their beautiful wedding.
We were family friends with Jerry and Linda Kay every since the came to Richmond Vermont with there two sons, Brian and Mark then in First and Second grade. We kept connected even after they left Richmond. Sharing some happy times and some less happy.
Jerry was an active person. He liked being outside, helping us do some clearing and other things after we bought land in Underhill. He spent time walking that hillside preparing for hunting season and during hunting season. He shot at least one deer there. A few years later son Brian could be found there during hunting season, also with success. Brian now owns that land.
Jerry liked humor – both to give and receive – but he drew the line when I suggested that Texas A&M was a religious school with the “A&M” meaning Amish & Mennonite. (The family had lived in College Station, Texas prior to coming to Richmond Vermont.) One of his favorites was, “Dear Lord give me patients, AND I WANT IT RIGHT NOW!”
Jerry had both vision and optimism. He saw a better future for that sparsely attended, struggling church in Richmond Vermont. He led the effort to expand the building and provided a strong congregational foundation that has carried through the years to the present.
Thank you Jerry for being an important part of our lives.
Carol and John LaRue