Robert E. Stone, 80, of Salem, NH, died Tuesday, December 15, 2009 in the Derry Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Derry, NH. Mr. Stone was born in Chester, NH on July 29, 1929, son of the late Harold and Anna (Ahlberg) Stone. He grew up on a farm on Halls Farm Road in Chester during the depression. His family moved to Derry where he graduated from Pinkerton Academy. He later graduated from the Coast Guard Academy and served his country for four years, being discharged in 1953. He worked as an engineer for over 30 years for AT&T and Bell Laboratories. His great love was for America's Stonehenge which he purchased and ran, opening it up to the public in 1958. In 1964 he founded N.E.A.R.A. (New England Antiquities Research Association) and was it's first president and currently president emeritus. He enjoyed traveling, especially several occasions to Europe and Mexico where he researched their ancient stone ruins. Mr. Stone also enjoyed reading and painting in acrylics, oils and watercolors. In the 1980's he also helped found the American Institute of Archeology.
He is survived by a son, Dennis Stone and his wife Patricia of Salem, a daughter, Kathy Foti and her husband Dennis of Derry, three grandsons, Kelsey Stone of Salem, NH, Benjamin and Salvatore Foti, both of Derry, two granddaughters, Kristen Medina and her husband Geoff of Derry and Stephanie McMullin of Derry. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, a brother, Stanley Stone of Hampton, NH, his former wife, Dorothy Stone of Derry and his cat, Fluffy.
Visiting hours were held Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 3-7pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. The funeral was held at 10:00am on Friday in the funeral home. The burial was in the Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Animal Rescue League, 4 SARL Drive, Salem, NH 03079 or see www. sarl-nh.org.