Stuart Jay Fishbone

Stuart Jay Fishbone, 85, of Waterford, CT passed away on Friday, May 20, 2022. Born October 9, 1936, he spent the first 11 years of his life in Brooklyn, NY, where he loved watching the elevated trains going to Coney Island and developed his devotion to all NY sports teams.  Then, his family moved to Norwich, CT, and he graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1954.  He graduated from Mitchell College in New London, CT in 1956 and then worked in various accounting positions for the state of Connecticut.  He also served in the US Army, both active and reserve duty, for approximately 5 years. 

On March 8, 1964, he married Marilyn Beth Shafner in New London, CT and went on to work as a tax examiner for the state of Connecticut for more than 30 years, travelling all over North America to audit companies.  He retired at age 55 and still continued working part-time and travelling throughout the world.

He was also devoted to community service.  He served in many roles, including treasurer and founding member of the endowment committee, at Temple Emanu-El in Waterford, CT.  In 1998, he received the Illson Award for lifetime dedication to the temple.  He also served as the steward of the A&R Union while he worked for the state, and in retirement he co-founded the Connecticut State Employees Retiree Union chapter of Southeastern CT.   In his spare time, he loved to play tennis, go to local sporting events, and spend time with his two grandsons.  Also of note, he served as a justice of the peace and officiated weddings in many locations, including Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his sister Gale Fishbone of Norwich, CT; daughter Marianne Hirshman and her husband Lenard Hirshman of Horseheads, NY; his son Brian Fishbone and his husband Jonathan Blandford of San Bruno, CA and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and his two grandsons Ryan and Harrison Hirshman.  He was predeceased by his parents Barney and Beatrice Fishbone and his sister Judy Fishbone.

A funeral service will be held at Temple Emanu-El at 29 Dayton Rd. in Waterford on Monday, May 23 at 3:00pm. Burial will be at the Jewish Aid Congregation Cemetery on Gillettes Lane in Colchester, CT.  Donations may be made to Temple Emanu-El at the address above or to a charity of the donor’s choice.