Arthur Stone

Arthur Stone, 105, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024. Born on September 20, 1918 in Saxonville, MA, he later became a proud resident of Natick, MA. Living to be a centenarian plus 5, he was a cherished member of his community and a beacon of joy to his family and friends throughout his remarkable life.

Even as a child of the Great Depression, Arthur was always able to see the bright side of life. He would tell stories of growing up in Saxonville, trying to hitchhike his way to the Chicago 1933 World's Fair with his friends, and riding his motorcycle all the way to New York City where he paid 10 cents for a room.

Arthur married the love of his life, Grace, on October 10th, 1942. They settled down in Natick to raise their 3 children where Arthur worked at New England Pressed Steel, and later at Clix Paper Punch. Arthur and Grace enjoyed traveling together, some of their favorite trips were to Hampton Beach, Niagara Falls, Las Vegas, and Bermuda. They were also just as happy splitting a hamburger and a coffee at McDonald's. Arthur and Grace were fortunate to live their golden years amongst the caring community at Coolidge Gardens in Natick.

In addition to his parents and sister, Arthur was preceded in death by his beloved wife, the late Grace (Scott) Stone. He is survived by his children, Leonard Stone and his wife, Karen, of Cary, NC; Deborah Blake and her husband, Tony, of Chapel Hill, NC; and Brenda Clover and her husband, William, of Natick. Known as "Papa" to his adoring grandchildren, Michael Stone of Las Vegas, NV; Erin Phillips and her husband, Ross, of Natick; Ryan Clover and his wife, Cassie, of Uxbridge; and Emily Clover and her partner, Daniel Sutter, of Hoboken, NJ. He is also survived by his cherished great-grandchildren who gave him a new lease on life over the past 8 years - Brady, Leah, and Cooper Phillips.

Papa was always happiest when he was with his family. Most of all, his daughter Brenda who would take him to Market Basket in Ashland every week and to Saver's in Framingham (always on Tuesdays for Senior Discount Day). What truly kept Arthur going later in life was the wild successes of his two favorite teams - the Boston Bruins and the New England Patriots (and for a short time, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). There was no bigger believer in these teams than Papa.

Papa's storytelling and his singing, his jokes and his genuine enthusiasm for life will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him. The family will gather for a private burial at a later date to bid farewell to a man whose life was as full and vibrant as his personality. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arthur's name to Homes For Our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, MA, 02780 (www.hfotusa.org). Unable to serve his country in war due to congenital hearing loss, Arthur was always appreciative to any veteran he met.

The family would like to extend its sincere thanks to Good Shepherd Hospice and the care team at the Parlin Hospice Residence in Wayland, who helped make Arthur's transition as dignified and peaceful as possible. Arthur's parting words of advice in his final days were to "be happy" which is how our steadfast patriarch, and true legend will be remembered.