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FORREST STONE Obituary

STONE, FORREST M. Forrest M. Stone, who died suddenly on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, was a media executive, writer, and musician. He grew up in Fayetteville, NC, and went on to earn degrees from Harvard, Keele University in England, and Yale. Forrest had been a resident of Madison for 20 years. Forrest held leadership positions at Scholastic and Weekly Reader as well as other educational publishing companies. He was co-founder of Big Fun Productions with his wife, writer Annabelle Howard. For 25 summers, Forrest also taught playwriting at Yale. Forrest’s stage plays were produced in New York and New England, while his fiction was published in literary magazines in the U.S. and England. In addition, Forrest had several screenplays commissioned and one workshopped at Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute. A self-taught musician, Forrest wrote and performed numerous songs. In addition to his wife, Forrest is survived by sons Rye Howard-Stone of Madison, CT and Keele Howard-Stone of New York City; sister, Stacy Stone, of Malvern, PA; and mother, Marguerite Stone, formerly of Fayetteville and now of Malvern, PA. Above all, Forrest was always kind and fun to be around. He will be missed. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday August 15th from 3-5pm at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Rd., Madison. To sign the online guest book visit www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register from Aug. 13 to Aug. 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for FORREST STONE

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Allan Overton

January 6, 2023

Twig and i were best friends from 8th grade until i moved in 10th Grade. Quite often Rucie or Margeurite would pick me up on Friday and i would spend the weekend with them and Stacie. I loved the family. Basketball on the half court out back. We would go help at Rucie's Sign shop and he would treat us to all night bowling. The living room was off limits and the furniture had plastic covers. Stacie would play the piano. I moved away from Fayetteville in 10th grade but Twig and i continued to swap letters (I still have his letters to me) and we regrouped at Governor's School in 1972. I have letters and other things that i would love to share with his family if they are interested. I would love to hear more about his career and family as well.

Vicky Secrist

February 19, 2018

I went to 71st High School with Forrest. He was a wonderful and talented young man. He was a school leader who never disappointed. I knew he would take the world by storm even then. Condolences to his family.

Peter Homans

August 31, 2017

I was expecting to find a thoughtful entry from Forrest when I looked for him in our Harvard 40th reunion book; instead, I learned the sad news of his passing two years earlier. He was a charming and talented man with whom I had a number of pleasant conversations. I remember burbling on one time about how the Baroque era ushered in a new period of emotionality in European classical music. "Ah, Peter," he replied, "then why does Bach's music often sound so mechanical?" It was a typically elegant riposte from Forrest.

Ed Schafer

August 18, 2016

Wow I was shocked to hear of the passing of Forrest's Dad R.B. only to learn that Forrest too had passed away. Very sad for all of us they left behind but I bet Forrest and R.B. are having a heck of a time making music up there in heaven.

Karen Cawthon Thomas

December 9, 2015

I was in school with Forrest in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I have very fond memories of a kind, sweet classmate. Forrest could always make me laugh. I am so sorry for your loss.

Karen Cawthon Thomas

August 26, 2015

I was so sad to hear about this. Forrest was a great asset to the Yale Summer Writing Program, fun to hang out with, great to his students. I send my thoughts to Annabel, Keele, and Rye. Jill Cutler

Heather Hawthorne

August 20, 2015

In loving memory of a wonderful person. Your smile and laughter was contagious and could light up any room. We will love you and miss you always.

Roxann Riskin

August 19, 2015

AB , Rye, and Keele, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. What a great man your husband and your dad was and those shoes will never be filled for sure he was a giant to so many students, staff, faculty and most beloved especially by family and community including and beyond these USA borders. You are all in my thoughts and prayers always.

Joel Gendler

August 19, 2015

I had the great privilege of working closely with Forrest, and also playing with him at the open mikes at Greendale's Pub in Worcester.

He was always very supportive of me in trying to fit in with rock music, as I mostly had played African rhythms with other drummers. He'd sing me a part to play, and if I stuck to the script, it would work.

I will miss Forrest's direct approach, his warmth, and his keen intellect. Forrest was a prolific playwright, songwriter, and a gifted writer in the educational space. He could bang out new songs while driving from New Haven to Worcester!

Here is one of his blogs, where he spoke about three convergences in education today. http://www.victoryprd.com/blog/?p=101

If you would like to hear some of his songs I recorded over the past half year, email me at [email protected] and I can send you the link. Apparently, some of the songs were a little too bawdy to make it past the censors!

Neil Saunders

August 17, 2015

I wish I had known Forrest a lot longer. You couldn't help smiling when you were around him. My most abiding memory is of last year's holiday party at Victory, for which he put together a special video presentation. When I arrived at the restaurant, there he was at the piano, with an enormous grin on his face and clearly in his element. A performer to the end!

Pete and Anna

August 15, 2015

We will always remember Forrest for his warm sense of humor, cheerful disposition and witty intellect. He loved his family with a huge heart and will be sorely missed by all.

Our deepest condolences to Annabelle, Keele, and Rye.

Forrest with Stacy and Snuffkin

Stacy Stone

August 15, 2015

Forrest with Stacy and Panda

Stacy Stone

August 15, 2015

August 15, 2015

To: The Forrest Stone Family,

Please accept our condolences.

Know that we are here for you, don't hesitate to reach out if you have a need.

From: Justin, Michele and the Frechette Family

August 15, 2015

So sorry to hear this. Forrest was a great friend, a hugely talented guy, and a warm and funny presence. I was always happy to see him and will miss him very much. My deepest condolences to Annabelle, Rye, and Keele.

Tom Perrotta

August 14, 2015

He was an amazing talent and an incredibly generous human being, performer and writer. He will be missed beyond words. My heart is with his family.
Rachel Babcock, Branford CT

Lauren Lorentz de Haas

August 14, 2015

Forrest was funny and witty and clever and generous and talented. His laugh was contagious. I am so saddened by this news, my condolences to Annabelle, Keele and Rye. And Stacy and Marguerite.

August 14, 2015

Deeply regret to hear of Forrest sudden death. I had the pleasure going to school with him. I am sure he will deeply missed. Condolences to the family.

FORREST HORNE. SEVENYT FIRST SCHOOL

Jonathan Jay

August 14, 2015

Forrest will be greatly missed at our open mics. His songs, both topics and lyrics, were always fun and moving. Condolences to all.

Lucy Elias

August 14, 2015

Thinking of you Annabelle, Keele and Rye, sending my love.. So sad and shocked at the loss of Forrest, he was a fine man, Sui generis.. one of a kind.

Michael Comer

August 14, 2015

I wanted to express my sympathy to you all on the loss of your husband and father. Forrest was a wonderful colleague. His wit, energy and great passion for learning were an inspiration for us all. He always had a wry comment or quick quip that lightened the mood in any room. I once appeared at work in a stripped shirt and bow tie. His observation was " I was one straw hat and cane away from a vaudeville act!" We laughed for hours. May the prayers and thoughts of those who cared for him, give you peace and strength during this time of sadness.

Don Faulkner

August 14, 2015

Condolences to Annabelle, Keele, Rye, and to all his many friends. He had the voice of an angel, was quick with wit, easy with laughter, brilliant with words, always with a song, a friend for life and beyond. From a proud member of the band.

David Goddy

August 14, 2015

I'm deeply saddened by this very sad news. I had the pleasure of working with Forrest at Scholastic, and he was a wonderfully creative, funny, ebullient guy. My deepest sympathies to Annabelle, Keele and Rye.

Tulin Duda

August 14, 2015

I am so, so sorry to hear the sad and unexpected news. Forrest was a gentle and kind soul. Heartfelt condolences to you, Annabelle, and to Keele and Rye.

Allan Appel

August 14, 2015

What a terrible loss for you, Annabelle, and the boys, and for all of us. I was just about send Forrest a ms. of a new play....for his always sage, funny, useful advice. Now where to send it? What's the address! Hugs and embraces to you.

Jim Jenkins

August 14, 2015

Having worked with Forrest' late father,I had the unique opportunity to witness the unity of this fine family.Their love and compassion for the community was visible in their many contributions.I remember the "Ray of Hope Community Center that was formed in part by his dad.To the family,my wife Letha and I offer in tribute,our condolences.You are in our thoughts and prayers.

david west

August 13, 2015

I can't believe we won't be singing any of those amazing songs anymore... he always had a story, had time to listen to a story, and was just a fun guy to have around... my sincerest condolences to his family... Forrest really was one of the good guys...

da ve

Ann Yelin

August 13, 2015

What a good, creative, brilliant and loving man. He loved his family with every fiber of his being. My deepest love and support to Annabelle, Keele and Rye.

Pat K.

August 13, 2015

Forrest was a great man and a great friend. While I only knew him for a short period as a co-worker, he has extended a tremendously positive impact on my life.

He will be missed.

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825 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443

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