Eric Stone

Eric Kent Stone, 57, of Mansfield, died Friday, May 15, 2009 at MedCentral Hospital. Born August 7, 1951 in Galion, he was the son of L. Dean and S. Louise White Stone. Eric graduated from Galion High School in 1969. He graduated from Ashland College with honors in 1973 and completed post-graduate work at Ohio State University. Eric taught Chemistry and Technology at Ontario High School for 30 years, retiring in 2004. After retiring, Eric worked in the Technology Department for the Ontario Local Schools. He was a dedicated, respected and motivational teacher influencing many young people. Students reached their full potential because of Eric's high expectations and his innovative teaching style. He gave his students life-long knowledge that prepared them for college and other professions. During retirement, Eric and his wife Kathy enjoyed traveling, especially to Bar Harbor, Maine. Eric loved woodworking, producing furniture that is in their home. He was always busy and involved in a project or two. His knowledge of computers and technology was all self-taught, and he used his knowledge to create many of his inventions. Eric enjoyed gardening, biking, fishing, restoring old vehicles and bird watching. There was never a problem that Eric couldn't solve. Eric was a member of the Ontario Lions Club and was active in the St. Peter's parish.

Eric is survived by his wife, Kathy Romano Stone; brother and sister-in-law, Douglas J. and Mary Ann Stone; sisters and brothers-in-law, Laurie and Brad Ingram and Beth Ann and Tim Mulherin; mother-in-law, Marilyn E. Romano; and nieces and nephews, Loren and Annie Stone, Leslie and Michael Swartzbaugh, Linnea Stone, Andrew Ingram, Bryant Ingram, Ellie Mulherin, and Anthony Mulherin. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Joseph A. Romano.

A Catholic vigil service will be held Monday, May 18, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, Mansfield, with visitation following until 8:00 p.m. Catholic mass will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church officiated by Father Tony Borgia. Burial will follow in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eric Stone Scholarship Fund.