The Rev. Michael J. Stone

Rev. Michael J. Stone, 78 of Blakeslee, PA died on Monday, June 14, 2021, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes Barre, PA. Born December 30, 1942 in Coaldale, PA, Father Stone was the son of the late Paul and Helen (Bugarewicz) Stone.

He was ordained to the Priesthood on March 9, 1968 by the Most Reverend Joseph McShea, Bishop of Allentown. Father Stone retired on June 14, 2011 and was granted the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus, Saint Ambrose Parish, Schuylkill Haven.

Father Stone's first priestly assignment was Parochial Vicar, Saint Patrick Parish, Pottsville; followed by Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary Parish, Saint Clair, Parochial Vicar pro temp Saint Paul Parish, Reading; Administrator pro temp Immaculate Conception Parish, Kelayres; Parochial Vicar pro temp Saint Canicus Parish, Mahanoy City; and Administrator pro temp Saint Andrew Parish, Catasauqua.

Father Stone's first pastoral assignment was Pastor, Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Northampton; later including, Pastor, Saint Andrew Parish, Catasauqua; and Pastor, Saint Ambrose Parish, Schuylkill Haven.

Those who knew Father Mike know he loved traveling the world, cruising on rivers, and skiing locally and in the western US, and in his earlier years on many European Mountains. Because of his love for nature, he so much enjoyed living in the mountains that he affectionately called "God's country". He never grew tired of seeing the birds and animals that frequented the woods. Work around his home was not work, but a pleasure for him. He was handy at most everything. You could count on him having the right part or tool on hand, mainly due to his penchant for shopping, finding a bargain, and purchasing something just in case he would need it someday. There for a while, he was into putting computers together for the schools and offices of places where he was stationed, as well as his friends. Father Mike touched many lives in his ministry with his superb and "to the point" homilies that people still remember and talk about today. Father Mike was a kind, gentle, caring man who most especially loved his family, his friends, and his God.

Father is survived by a niece Mrs. Donna White of Tamaqua, PA, nephews; Bernard Stone of Syosset, NY, Stephen Stone and wife Rosemarie of Franklin Lakes, NJ. Great nieces; Stephanie wife of Preston Miller, Alyson Stone, Sarah Stone, and great nephew; John Stone; and a great-great niece Adeline Miller. Sister-in-law; Anne Stone of Syosset, NY and long-time friend and caregiver, Marjorie Fletcher. He was predeceased by his two brothers; Paul and Bernard and his sister-in-law Helen.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Monday, June 21, 2021 at Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 2181 Washington Avenue, Northampton, PA 18067, by his Excellency The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Allentown. There will be public visitation from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM prior to the Mass in the Church. Interment will be private in Ss. Cyril and Methodius R. C . Cemetery, Nesquehoning, PA. The Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Avenue, Northampton, PA 18067 is honored to care for his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Assumption BVM Church Memorial Fund c/o the funeral home.