- Date Of Birth: February 23, 1920
- Date Of Death: May 21, 2011
- State: Maine
Laurence B. Stone, 91, longtime resident of Jefferson, passed away on the afternoon of May 21, 2011 at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Augusta. Born on February 23, 1920 in Melrose, MA, he was the son Robert J.W. and Marion (Sylvester) Stone. Larry attended Melrose schools and was a tackle for 4 years with the Melrose High School football team, where they had a four year run as state champions. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served honorably as Boatsman’s Mate, second class during WWII, receiving 4 bronze stars; 1 in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and 3 in the European-African Theatre. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he went to work with B&M Railroad as a fire man on the trains. In 1946 he joined the Merchant Marines where he stayed for 35 years, serving as Chief Mate and Navigator, until his retirement in 1981. His favorite part of being a Merchant Marine was traveling the world, and seeing new things. He had a great knowledge of history and collected many items that had historical significance. He also enjoyed going to the opera, as well as singing songs for all that would listen, but the great singers of yesteryear, such as Nelson Eddy and Elaine MacDonald, really moved his spirit. He enjoyed eating large dinners with family and friends, and joking and singing afterwards with them. He also loved Shirley Temple and admired “The Duke” John Wayne. He loved people and animals, and used his huge, generous heart to always help others. He will be missed by many, and his way of saying goodbye, “I’ll be with you”, will be carried on by those who remember him. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Edith (Thompson) Stone, as well as his second wife, Hilda (McLain) Stone; and a sister, Robin Shaw. He is survived by his son, Laurence B. Stone, Jr. and his wife, Debbie of Lunenburg, MA; 3 sisters, Karen, Jackie, and Meredith; 1 granddaughter, Jackie Stone; 3 grandsons, Paul Johnston, Daniel Johnston, and Bryan Johnston; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces and 1 nephew.
