Howard Stone
December 29, 1946 ~ June 15, 2023
On the morning of June 15, 2023, Howard Henry Stone passed away peacefully surrounded by family after his battle with heart disease and stage 4 lung cancer.
Howard was born in Providence, RI, to Elena and Dewel Stone, though he spent most of his life in Jacksonville, FL.
Howard is preceded in death by his mother, Elena Stone and his brother Bruce Stone. He is survived by his wife Sue Stone, his sons Jarrett (Veronica and Ismael) and Gradon (Emma), daughter Bridgid Stone, grandson, Iain, granddaughter, Olivia and sister Valerie Stone (Josh).
What comes to mind about Howard was his quick wit and ability to make those around him laugh. During a recent hospital stay that included an urgent surgery, Howard entertained the nurses and medical staff with a 14 hour monologue on how his brain operated. His ability to make others laugh at such a time was his super power. Time and time again, friends, family and strangers said that he made them laugh.
The other side of Howard took life very seriously. There were many health struggles along the way. In earlier years he worked three jobs to meet his responsibilities. He had instinctive survival skills that served him well throughout his life.
Howard served four years in the US Air force, from 1964-1968, and was trained as a corpsman in the medical technology field.
Not only was Howard the family mechanic, handyman and problem solver, he also lived by the motto that he could “do as bad of a job as anyone else” when it came to fixing anything. He never threw anything away and once had his shoes resoled three times. Who does that?
Problem solver, jack of all trades and loyal to those he cared about were what makes “our Howard” the person he will be remembered for. I was lucky enough to have shared 34 years of marriage with Howard and for that, I am forever grateful.
Fly away my love, and be at peace.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Stone family.
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I've known Howard since 1980. We became instant friends. We traveled to California together and had the best time I can remember. We put about 1000 miles on a rental car in a week, mostley just driving around and laughing. He was a quick wit and always kept the conversation going with a laugh. I loved him like a brother. Rest with the angels my friend.
Sue, Jarrett, Gradon and Stone family, . Condolences to all grieving Howard’s passing. I loved his wit and compassion for others. Well read, his many experiences presented all types of a variety of topics in conversations. Wether volunteering, taking excursions in the Miata, Or routine outings, he never met a stranger. A good man, husband, father and grandfather and friend to many, he was loved by his family and friends. We will all miss you. Rest in peace my friend.
Prayers and condolences to Sue, Gradon, Emma and the rest of the family. I’m glad I was able to meet Howard, and I thought he was a loving and respectful father and husband.
Howard, you will be missed by all who knew you…well, okay MOST who knew you. You were a good friend and my life is poorer for your leaving it.
Dear Sue and Family, I am so sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I will never forget parking cars with Howard at a White Harvest Farm Event or going to a Jaguars game. He was one of the funniest people I had the pleasure of hanging out with and if you asked his opinion he would give very down to earth answers. I will miss his friendship.
Peace to you.
David Michal
Sue, Gradon and family, we’re so very sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
When I get to heaven I’m going to argue with Howard about who makes the best meatloaf. Love and miss you. Peace to Sue.
Dear Sue and family,
Knowing Howard was a great joy.
He would check in on me every once in a while, so kind.
All the ways you described him above are certainly true.
Howard was one of a kind and he will be sorely missed.
Peace and love to you all.
In the short time that I had to meet Howard, he was always welcoming, caring. The last time before he got sick I remember sitting in the living room of your house w him watching a documentary about the life of animals and corals in the Everglades. That's the memory of him that will stay in my heart forever. Rest easy, it was a pleasure to meet you ❤️
Sue, our deepest sympathy goes out to you, your family and to Valerie. The obituary truly speaks out to who Howard was as a person & I know he will be dearly missed. Every telephone conversation we had ended up in laughter & I will think of him every time I drive by an Arby’s, rest in peace, dear cousin.
I love you Howard and miss you so much. I was blessed to have you as my amazing big brother. My heart is filled with so many memories that I will cherish forever. I know Heaven is now filled with a lot more laughter and fun. I love you forever and always
I have known Howard for 52 years, but it wasn't until 2016 that he brought his lovely wife Sue to California to meet my husband Butch and me. What followed from that great visit were yearly trips to meet up together–until the pandemic hit. We had a trip to southern France all planned out. Previously, we had visited them in Jacksonville, met up at Yellowstone National Park (and also got to meet and spend time with Gradon), and tracked javelinas in Sedona. Speaking of Sedona, Howard calmed me right down upon arrival at our highly rated Airbnb there when I discovered the sheets on the bed hadn't been changed after the previous guests. He also threw them in the washer and dryer and then remade the beds. We shared many discussions–both light and heavy–and emotional, at times. We found Howard to be a good listener and consider all angles. He was kind and generous, and yes, made us laugh so much! We will always remember those good times. Our lives have been enriched because of you, dear Howard. Love, Janet and Butch
Howard: Thank you for welcoming Ismael and me into your house and treating us like family. Thank you for the love, the time, and the attention you gave us during those months and beyond. So many memories that we will always bring in our hearts. We feel lucky to have the opportunity to spend months together and get to know you. I will miss going to JAX and don't have you asking me to make some meatballs. I will always talk to Olivia about his grandpa, show her pictures, and tell her how you used to enjoy just watching her grow everyday.
We will take care of Sue. Rest in peace.
Love,
Veronica, Ismael
I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to know Howard. I loved his silly humor and quick wit, as he always made me laugh. Peace and love to Sue and family.
May you rest in peace, and make the angels laugh, as you made me laugh while here. My most deepest condolences to Sue, Valerie and family. I’ll miss you Howard.!🙏❤️❤️❤️
Dear Stone Family-
We have been so honored and grateful to know friendship with all of you. When thinking of Howard the first impression and on throughout our many encounters was how he really thought a lot for others: how are you doing, what are you working on, what do you need and how can I help? And we certainly were lucky enough to take advantage of that, what Howard generous gave of himself. And generally with a lot of humor and laughs! I believe Howard’s light lives on. Many condolences.
Howard, I am saddened by your earthly departure, as selfishly, I feel cheated of time. With just a river separating us for most of our lives (well, at least mine), fate would finally connect us. See, Howard and I are family (cousins). His beloved mother was my great-aunt. Thankfully, we could find each other and connect a few times over the years (not nearly enough). I am forever grateful for those opportunities (dinners at your home, a ride to WPB to see Auntie Helen and a few calls). As many others have said, you were witty and always willing to share. You (along with your wife Sue) were gracious hosts on numerous occasions, providing a meal and introductions as more of our family were passing through the area. I will be forever grateful. Please rest peacefully, my cousin. You were indeed a gift. Until next time…
Howard was one of a kind. A better friend over forty years could not be found , no matter where our jobs took us in life. We always stayed in touch . Rest peacefully and we will meet up on the other side. Love to Sue and the boys. Jeff Winger
Sue, Jarrett, Graden, and Valerie I'm very sorry for the loss of your father/brother and husband.Howard was one of the greatest men I ever met in this life and I was blessed to have known him with lots of love Kathy.