Lawrence W. “Larry” Stone passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital on October 9th. He was 75. Raised in Somerville, he was the son of the late John and Frances (Nichols) Stone. Larry served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon his return from the war, Larry embarked on a long career in public safety and medical service, founding Professional Ambulance & Oxygen Service in 1969. Today, PRO EMS continues to proudly service the City of Cambridge and surrounding areas. During his years as President of the company he oversaw its steady expansion and navigated the increasing scope of services that emergency medicine provided. He was a leader in the development of inter-agency response to mass casualty events and could always be relied upon in the public safety community for rendering sound advice, born from the breath and length of his experience.

Known as “225” to his colleagues and friends, Larry continued to be the driving force and conscience of his company. He has been featured in articles of the Journal of Emergency Medical Services and the Boston Globe. Larry was active in professional associations and civic affairs. He was a long-time member and Past Commander of Cambridge VFW Post 299.

The beloved husband of Catherine A. “Cathy” (Leonard) Stone, Larry was a devoted father to Teresa Cruz and her husband Edwin of Burlington, Danielle Santiago and her husband Javier of Billerica, and Kelly Stone-Pantojas and her husband Alex “Big Al” of Burlington. He was a loving Papa to Anthony, Ariana, Victoria, Xavier and Sofia. He was the brother of Francis, Jean, John, Sandra and Norman. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home 306 Main Street, Medford on Thursday October 14th from 4 through 8 PM and again on Friday at 10 AM followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church, 2270 Mass. Ave, Cambridge at 11 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent in Larry's name to the Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.