George Kenneth Stone Jr., of Hampden, Massachusetts passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2017. He was born in Ludlow on May 10, 1939, the son of the late Kenneth and Fabiola (LaBier) Stone. George was raised in Springfield.  He was a graduate from Springfield Trade High School Class of 1957. Later he worked for a number of months in the sheet metal business. He enlisted in the Navy in Oct. of 1957 and served for four and one-half where he was a radioman during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After being discharged, he settled in Hampden in 1966. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Hampden. He began a thirty-year career with the Hampden Police Department. Starting as an auxiliary police officer, he was later appointed to full-time patrolman. He was made Chief of Police in 1972 and served for 24 years. His many accomplishments as Chief of Police included instituting the “DARE” program in local schools; establishing the emergency 911 system for the town; and spearheading the development and procurement of funds for the start of the Western Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (WMLECO) radio system. During his tenure with the department he also served as President, Vice President, Secretary and Chairman of various committees for the Western Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. George was recognized numerous times as Citizen of the Year in both Hampden and Wilbraham. After retirement, he was a volunteer for the Council on Aging and participated with the Meals on Wheels program.  
George was a true caregiver, looking after family and friends, in particular, his beloved mother and mother-in-law. George loved science fiction movies, cooking, vacationing in Maine and spending time with his dog. In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by his daughter Susan Marie Stone in 1978. He is survived by his beloved wife loving wife of 55 years Nancy Gail (Soares) Stone of Hampden, and his brother Myron Stone and his wife Rosemary DiSimoni of Wilbraham.  He leaves numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews who loved and cherished him very much. Family and friends are invited to a Liturgy of Christian Burial on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 11a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 27 Somers Road, Hampden, MA 01036. There will be no calling hours and burial will be private. Donations may be made in George’s memory to the Hampden Police Association, 625 Main Street, Hampden, MA 01036. The family would like to thank Dr. Mara Slawsky and her team at the Heart Failure Program at Baystate Medical Center for their excellent care as well as Dr. Jeffrey Cossin, his primary care physician. They would also thank Christina Ribeiro of the Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice for her kind and compassionate care. Arrangements entrusted to the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA 01118. Please visit www.byronkeenan.com




 

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