Stanford Jay Stoneman

Stanford Jay Stoneman

Stanford J. Stoneman, 88, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son, friend, and more, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.

Stan was born in 1932, in Cleveland, OH, to Harry and Millie Stoneman. After relocating to Phoenix from Cleveland, Stanford soon met his wife, Edie, whom he married in 1955. They spent 65 loving, interesting, and adventurous years together. He was an adoring father to Wendie, Cindi, and Mark (Lisa); grandfather to David (Shira), Taylor, Nathan, Logan, and Merin (Alex); great-grandfather to three, with one more due in January 2021; brother; uncle; and cousin. He was also a great friend to so many.

Stan's life was filled with fun and travel throughout the years, both with groups of friends and his multigenerational family. He had special memories of rafting in the Grand Canyon, fishing in Oregon, partying in Catalina, traveling through the Amazon and Aruba, driving his motor home to Cabo, cruising and having adventures in Alaska, touring China, embracing Israel, and so many more.

When not on land, Stan loved being in Coronado on his boat. My Buddy IV Ever was his fourth boat, and his very favorite one. He loved having friends and family aboard, enjoying cocktails and listening to music. Taking his boat out on the ocean was his greatest delight.

Stan was a great athlete and sports fan, and especially loved watching basketball. He was a big fan of the Phoenix Suns, and had season tickets for years. He also enjoyed bowling, fishing, skiing, and racquetball.

Stan graduated from Arizona State University (when it was Tempe Teacher's College) with a degree in accounting. He was a very hard worker, and became a successful accountant with his own practice. At age 50, he told his wife he wanted to retire. Her comment was, "You're too young to retire." So he went back to work. When he turned 70, he told her again he wanted to retire, and this time she let him. But Stan still kept up with business, and continued to be a consultant to his son.

He loved life and most of all, his family. He loved people and people loved him. He was a great judge of character and a trusted friend. He wanted most of all to be surrounded by family—and he was. We will hold dear forever the great memories and fond recollections that he left for all those lucky enough to know him. We will drink a toast to our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. We will miss you so very much, but you built a tower of love and will never be forgotten.