Obituary of Robert Stone

Robert E. Stone, 87, passed away on October 23, 2024, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY. He was the cherished husband of Patsy Ann J. Stone, 90, of Baldwinsville. They shared nearly 65 years of marriage.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Robert was the son of Dorothy M. Stone. He graduated from Irvington High School and Upsala College and earned a master’s in social work from Rutgers University (Rutgers, rah!). He began his career in social work in Newark in the late 1950s and also served in the Army National Guard at Fort Dix. In 1970, he moved his family to New Hartford, NY, where he dedicated his career to public service, first as a family counselor and then promoted to the Executive Director of Utica Family Services; then, Executive Director of Community Support System, Catholic Charities of Oneida/Madison County and, teaching courses at Utica College. He later became the Mental Health Commissioner for Broome County from 1983 to 1988.

In 1988, Bob became Executive Director of Cayuga Counseling Services (Auburn), a position he held until retirement in 2002. During his tenure, he was instrumental in creating the Sexual Assault Victims Advocate Resource (SAVAR), which continues to support survivors and their families today. Bob also served on numerous boards, including United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Bob was a man of varied passions—softball coach, basketball player, bowler, abstract painter, writer, poet, hakuist, theater enthusiast, and lifelong music lover, especially of jazz, classical, and opera. He was raised in the Evangel Baptist Church in Newark, later attending Tabernacle Baptist Church in Utica, and more recently found interest in the Buddhist faith. A devoted sports fan, he followed with enthusiasm the Newark Bears, NY Yankees, NY Giants, and Syracuse Orange (Go ‘Cuse!) football and basketball teams and every game any of his daughters ever played in.

Bob was a loyal friend, a caring mentor, a devoted husband, and a beloved "Poppy." An introvert by nature, he was an avid reader of fiction, non-fiction, and the New York Times. He shared a special bond with his dogs/grand-dogs over the years—Tippy, Sandy, Toby, Mookie, Lilly, and Oliver.

Patient, kind, thoughtful, and funny, Bob was the True North for his family and led by example with optimism and integrity.

He is survived by his wife Patsy Ann, daughters Leslie E. Culkin (Jeffrey), Meredith A. Stone (Lynne Koban), and Gail P. Stone; and darling grandchildren Robert and Thomas Culkin, and Auden and Elliot Stone.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, 2:00 pm, at the Everson Museum in Syracuse. He will be laid to rest in the waters near Beach Haven, New Jersey, his favorite place of leisure.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to: SAVAR, Cayuga Counseling Services, 17 E. Genesee Street, Auburn, NY 13021 or Food Bank of Central New York, 7066 Interstate Island Road, Syracuse, NY 13209.