David L. Stone died at the age of 69, in Bethlehem, PA, May 13, 2019 as the result of a motorvehicle accident. While he was taken from the lives of his family far too soon, they take comfort in knowing he died doing what he loved- driving his beloved red convertible. David was born October 22, 1949, the son of the late Russell and Lucille Stone of Boca Raton, FL. He was raised in Charleroi, PA surrounded by goats that thought they were dogs, dogs that thought they were humans and horses with a fondness for taking him for rides off the edge of the local quarry. He enjoyed riding horses, shooting, fishing, fast motorcycles and faster cars- loves he eventually shared with his daughter Erica and grandsons Jackson (15), Eli David (10) and Maddox (8). David enlisted in the U.S. Army after leaving college, serving in Vietnam from 1970-72. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star for heroic service during that time. Like many other veterans of his generation, David did not often discuss his combat experiences, and it took him many years to be comfortable acknowledging his pride in his service. However, in recent years he became an active member of his local VFW and a strong voice for other veterans like him, suffering the long-term effects of exposure to Agent Orange. Upon returning stateside, David re-enrolled in college, eventually earning a degree from Penn State University as a graduate of their first computer science program. He would take that pioneering spirit with him through the rest of his career, going on to create groundbreaking information systems for multiple pharmaceutical companies in the US and internationally- but he struggled to the very end with making his iPhone work. David eventually moved to Clarksburg, WV to work for Clarksburg Drug Company, as a consultant to the Exponent Telegram and a teacher of Intro to Computers for Fairmont State College. Clarksburg is also where David met the love of his life, Melonie (McIntyre) Stone. They were married on June 24, 1977 and in an act their daughter describes as a modern miracle, they remained happily (and occasionally stubbornly) married until his last breath. They relocated to Florida in 1978, where David worked for Motorola Communications as they pioneered the microprocessors that would eventually run the iPhone, as well as computers, gaming systems and other mobile phones. While there, he played a role in developing the Six Sigma process. He would move on to take this innovative knowledge to the pharmaceutical industry. His work would take him all over the world, from South Africa to Australia to France and Canada- sometimes all in one week. No matter where he traveled, he always came home to his friends, family, fishing boat and firearms instruction. In 1985, David was one of the top 20 PCP shooters in the State of Florida He took great pride in his work and his play, anyone who spent time in the Everglades or on a firing line with David can attest to that, not even a brush with cancer in his30s could stop him. This drive to persevere is the greatest gift he was able to give his daughter and grandsons and continues to inspire his family to push on and play on through their loss. David finished his career, relocating to Bethlehem, PA to work for Sanoifi Pasteur, Glemser Technology and then his own company Stone GxP Compliance and Validation, Inc working as a consultant for ongoing projects that were future generations of his early work. He would eventually retire from full-time work to focus on his favorite job, being a full-time husband and grandpa. David enjoyed watching Jackson play rugby, teaching Eli about shooting and cars (and learning about archery and fly fishing to keep up with his ‘little best friend’ Eli David, daily drives and nightly patio chats with Max and weekly debates over paint and flooring at Home Depot with Melonie. David is survived by his beloved wife Melonie, daughter Erica and her husband Richard, 3 grandsons, 5 guinea pigs and one cranky dog. Per the wishes of David, he will be cremated. Interment and a private military honors service will occur at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. Online condolences may be sent to DavisFuneralHomeWV.com. Davis Funeral Home and Onsite Crematory are honored to assist the Stone family. favorite_border Donations Pledges
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David L Stone October 22 1949 May 13 2019 (age 69).
Davis Funeral Home and Cremation
Death notice for the town of: Clarksburg, state: West Virginia