Sol H. Stone

1926 - 2016

November 26, 1926 - December 25, 2016 On December 25, 2016, after a life well lived, Sol H. Stone passed away at the age of 90. Sol was born November 26, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, to Abraham and Pearl (Lenzner) Stone. He was raised in Los Angeles, California and Buffalo, New York. He returned to Los Angeles in the 1960's, making first Hollywood and later Beverly Hills his permanent home. Sol graduated from Bennett High School and volunteered for service in the U.S. Army in 1944, serving as first sergeant in the Pacific Theater. Following his return from service, Sol earned his Bachelor's degree from Buffalo State University. Sol was the founder and president of Republic Drug Company. After establishing Republic's headquarters and manufacturing plant in Buffalo along with his brother Robert, Sol launched a successful West Coast division based in Los Angeles. Republic Drug was one of the first companies to pioneer generic labeling of over-the-counter drugs through pharmaceutical chains and drug stores across the country and overseas. It was during these years that Sol obtained his private pilot's license. Flying was a hobby he very much enjoyed. Sol was married to Marcia (Mandell) Stone, a graduate of University of Michigan Law School. Marcia has been a constant source of support, love, and care for over 50 years of marriage. In addition to his successful business endeavors, Sol had many passions. He always said this country had given him so much that he wanted to give back and help others in return. He was a Literacy tutor for the City of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills for almost 30 years. He also volunteered with the organization People Assisting the Homeless. In 2008 be was honored by the City of Beverly Hills as Older American of the Year. Sol played violin with the Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra. The aim of the orchestra is to contribute culturally to the community and help raise funds for medical and other charities through its concerts. The Doctors Symphony also effectively raises funds to support youth and up-and-coming musical talents throughout Southern California. Sol's home away from home was the LA Tennis Club. An avid tennis player, Sol was proud to have been a member of the club for over 25 years. He was on the Board of Directors, occupying various positions including Board president. The Tennis Club also provided Sol another opportunity to give back to the community. He taught free tennis lessons as an incentive to under-privileged students in the area. He took great pleasure in this endeavor and enjoyed spending time with his many dear friends at the Tennis Club up until his final days. Sol is preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Mayer. He is survived by his loving wife, Marcia, and three daughters; Jessica and her husband Andreas Bernatschek who live in Zurich, Switzerland, Cynthia and her husband Jean Michel Davis who live in Paris, France, and Jenny and her husband Will Hirst who live in Bakersfield, California. He has seven grandchildren; Zachary, Daniel, Oliver, Juliette, Alexander, Benjamin and Samuel and three great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Ashley and Shawn. He also leaves behind his brother Robert Stone, sisters and brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sol will best be remembered for his infectious smile, his warmth and kindness, and ability to make everyone in the room feel welcome. He loved being surrounded by family and friends. Many will miss his loving advice and words of wisdom. He will be missed beyond belief.