John L. Stone, 72, of Paxton, died peacefully Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Rose Monahan Hospice House surrounded by his family.

He leaves his wife of 41 years, Susan E. (Daigneault) Stone, a son, Timothy Christopher Stone of Silver Spring, Md., a brother, G. Thomas Stone of Shrewsbury, a sister-in-law Mary Ann Barry and her husband William of Shrewsbury, a brother-in-law Joseph Daigneault and his wife Jane of Worcester; and many nieces and nephews.

John was born in Worcester, son of George and Rita (Hogan) Stone. He was a graduate of St. John’s High School, Quinsigamond Community College and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

He served four years in the United States Air Force during the era of the Vietnam War.

John was an administrator for the United States Postal Service where he worked for 37 years before retiring in 2010. He held management positions in finance for most of his career, including many years in Springfield, Worcester and North Reading.

He was an active member of St. Columba’s Church, where he was involved in the Eucharistic Minister program and served on the Parish Council for many years.

He was a longtime basketball referee and member of the National Association of Basketball Officials. He also coached Paxton Babe Ruth baseball and was a lifelong fan of the Red Sox and Patriots.

Calling hours are Friday, Sept. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be held Saturday, Sept. 2, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Columba’s Church, 18 Richards Ave., Paxton. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Service Organizations (USO), P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077-7677 or St. Columba’s Parish, 10 Richards Ave., Paxton 01612.