CORNISH – Donald “Don” John Stone, 84, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at Maine Medical Center.
Don was born on August 9, 1941, at the family farm in Cornish, Maine, the son of the late Charles H. Stone Sr. and Izola G. (Parsons) Stone. He attended Cornish schools and graduated in 1959.
Following graduation, Don worked at Congoleum Nairn and Aetna Electric before enlisting in the United States Air Force in December 1959. During his service, he received training in electronics and became a Flight Simulator Specialist stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. After completing four years of military service, he worked as an electrician’s helper for two years before relocating to Waltham, Massachusetts, in 1965.
In Waltham, Don began his career at Mathtronics as a technician’s helper and, through hard work and dedication, advanced to become an Electrical Engineer with Digi International. He remained committed to his profession throughout his career, building lasting relationships with both colleagues and employers.
On November 25, 1972, Don married Sherry A. (Dishman) Stone. Together they attended Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts. In 1976, they purchased a home in Billerica, Massachusetts, before selling it and returning to Cornish in 1978. After settling back in Maine, they became active members of Calvary Bible Church in Kezar Falls and later Hilltop Baptist Church in Cornish.
In 1989, Don and Sherry adopted Sherry’s niece, Cheryl Christine Stone, when she was just six months old, and lovingly raised her as their daughter.
Before retiring on December 31, 2008, Don continued working from his home workshop while regularly commuting to Waltham and Watertown, Massachusetts, maintaining the close professional relationships he had built over the years. During retirement, he devoted himself to caring for Sherry, maintaining their property, and serving as the sound booth operator and recorder of church messages at Hilltop Baptist Church. Above all else, Don’s faith in Christ was the foundation of his life, and attending church remained one of his highest priorities whenever possible.
Don was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sherry A. (Dishman) Stone; his parents, Charles H. Stone Sr. and Izola G. (Parsons) Stone; his brothers, Charles H. Stone Jr. and George R. Stone; and his sisters, Eleanor L. Sawyer and Barbara J. Stone. As the youngest of six children, Don was the last surviving son of his family.
He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Elwell of Boynton Beach, Florida; his sister-in-law, Ruth E. (Day) Stone; his daughter, Cheryl (Stone) Gilson of Cornish, Maine; and his cherished grandchildren, Nevaeh Starr Stone and Tyler Louis Gilson of Casco, Maine. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be held on Monday June 15th from 1 - 2 PM, followed by a 2 PM funeral service at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. Pastor John Libby will officiate. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery amongst family at a later date. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
~Celebrating the lives of Veterans~
Arrangements entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Cornish.