Robert Leonard Stone's Obituary
Robert (Bob) L. Stone passed away peacefully on November 3, 2023, at Sharp Memorial Hospital, in Chula Vista, CA at the age 86 after succumbing to pneumonia while in the hospital.
Born in Norwich, CT on September 24, 1937, Bob grew up in New England until his father, Leonard V. Stone, returned from Navy service in the Pacific during WWII and received orders to transfer for duty to San Francisco in 1946. From San Francisco, Bob, his father and step mother, Barbara L. Stone, moved to San Diego when his father was transferred there for duty. The family purchased a home and moved to Imperial Beach in 1947 when Bob was about 10 or 11 years old. Bob did well in school including sports (he lettered in Football and Baseball and was Team Captain on his Football team). He was also Class President and Homecoming King of his graduating class at Mar Vista High School (the first graduating class after the high school was built) in 1955.
From school, Bob went to work for Rohr Aircraft in Chula Vista. To fulfill his military obligation he enlisted in the Army in December 1958 and served his country honorably in Germany for two years. Returning from his 2 year overseas tour Bob entered the inactive reserves for 4 years and returned to Rohr Aircraft. It was there Bob met the love of his life and future bride, Martha (Marty) Ann Haggard at Rohr where Marty also worked. Bob was smitten. Bob and Marty were married on June 2, 1962 and had just celebrated over 61 years of marriage.
Bob worked in various divisions at Rohr, ultimately working as a Manufacturing Engineer (Senior). Before this promotion Bob worked the night-shift as the single scheduler on duty and was responsible for all night-shift operations. In talking to his many friends, the words most often used were “a good guy”, “a great leader”, “an all star”, “a walking saint”….he had no enemies and was well like (loved) by all. Employees were inspired by his character and competency. Bob retired after 32 years of service. Once Marty retired from Rohr with 35 years of service, Bob and Marty enjoyed their retirement; traveling and going on cruises with friends as well as enjoying gambling in Las Vegas and at local casinos (one of their favorite pastimes). Bob and Marty were also committed to helping others and were members of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance (San Diego Zoo) Presidents Circle for many years as well as supporters of the San Diego Humane Society.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Marty Stone, his sister, Nancy Stone (Imperial Beach, CA), his half-brother, Bruce Marshlain and wife, Barbara (Seattle, WA), his sister-in-laws Judy (Eich) Blakley (Hemet, CA) and Cathy (Eich) Smith (West Haven, UT). In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his brother-in-law, John Haggard. In keeping with the arrangements previously made, services are not planned. Family and friends are asked to remember Bob in their own personal and special way; perhaps by visiting the Garden of Memories located at Greenwood if desired. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation in Bob’s memory may make gifts to the San Diego Zoological Society or the San Diego Humane Society. Arrangements by Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113.
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