Thomas Stone

Those wishing to view the broadcast (and recording) of Tom's Mass please use this link:https://stlukes-parish.org/funerals

Shrewsbury – One of the reasons Tom Stone enjoyed Facebook was that it kept him in touch with so many people, many of whom were former students. On December 30 and in subsequent posts, Tom let all those who knew and loved him know that he had accepted the invitation of hospice. He wrote, “I want to thank you all for the love, prayers, support, and kindness you’ve shown me. It truly means more than I can put into words. Knowing I’m surrounded by such caring people has brought me great comfort and peace. I carry all of you in my heart and am deeply grateful for your friendship.”

Tom died peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in the comfort of his much-loved home, following a battle with interstitial chronic lung disease that was a direct result of Agent Orange exposure from his years of service in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Tom gave his life to his family, his communities, and his country. He was 78.

George Thomas Stone, lovingly known to all as “Tom,” was born June 4, 1947, in Worcester, a son of the late George L. and Rita H. (Hogan) Stone. Raised in Worcester, he graduated from Saint Peter’s High School and later earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Framingham State University. Tom proudly served in the United States Army as a paratrooper during the Vietnam War. This, like all wars, forever etched in the minds of those who served and their families, he remained a lifelong and proud veteran of the United States Army. He married Northbridge native Susan R. DeLibero on June 17, 1972, at Saint Mark’s Church in Sutton, and together they resided in Shrewsbury for more than 50 years.

Tom’s life’s work and vocation came easily to him as an educator in the Wrentham Schools, where he taught for many years at Roderick Elementary School. He did his best to make a difference and to make learning fun. Outside the classroom, Tom coached basketball and loved the game and all that it encompassed on and off the court. There is no doubt—confirmed firsthand—that he inspired many students who went on to pursue careers in education. What a legacy! He truly put the fun in learning and school, and his trademark tradition was the “Big Splash,” in which Tom broke giant water balloons over his students’ heads at the end of the school year to celebrate moving on to the next grade…it was his rite of passage for each of them.

Though he retired in 2009, it was short-lived. Tom pursued an opportunity to continue teaching through the Department of Defense schools, first at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) in Columbus, Georgia, and later at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. It was a welcome blend of two passions: education and service to country.

In full retirement, Tom’s newest passion came in the form of pickleball. He loved the sport, but equally cherished the very strong friendships it forged on and off the courts. His friends knew him best for his jokes and riddles, his love for any raspberry pastry, and his admiration for Elvis’ music. With family and friends all over the world, one of Tom’s favorite things to do was to check in on his sons and grandchildren (who lovingly called him Pakka) and stay connected with so many former co-workers and students.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Sue, he leaves his sons, Kevin T. Stone of Alexandria, Virginia, David N. Stone (Danielle) of Bologna, Italy, and Daniel H. Stone of Hanoi, Vietnam; his grandchildren, Thomas, Victoria, and Gabriel; his sister-in-law, Susan Stone (late John) of Paxton; his in-laws, Kathy (DeLibero) and Dick Spero; nieces and nephews: Tim, Amy, and Kristina.

Family and friends will honor and remember Tom’s life by gathering for an Afternoon Wake in The Parlor of First Congregational Church, 19 Church Road, SHREWSBURY, on Sunday, January 18th, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. His funeral Mass is on Monday, January 19th, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main Street, WESTBOROUGH, celebrated by Rev. Diego Buritica. Burial in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, is private.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or https://www.veteransinc.org/

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.