Leo M Stone Jr

Leo Malcolm Stone Jr., 90, of San Diego, California, passed away on September 14, 2022. He passed away from congestive heart failure in his home with his loving daughter and close family friend at the bedside.

Leo was born a cornhusker in Broken Bow, Nebraska in 1932. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy and served in the Korean War. Following service in the Navy, he went back to Nebraska where he met his loving wife of 49-years, Hedy Pauline. Leo attended Kearney State University and received his bachelor's in mathematics and later pursued a master's in mathematics at the University of Wyoming. While living in Wyoming, Leo and Hedy welcomed their first child, John David. After graduating, Leo contemplated many options, but the west coast called to him. He returned to San Diego where he served in the navy and spent time as a young man with his mother. Shortly after arriving back in San Diego, they were blessed with their second child, Pamela Kay.

Leo and Hedy loved their life in San Diego. Leo's career thrived in applied mathematics and executive leadership. Outside of work Leo was often found on a sports field, court or running on along the shore. Among his treasured accomplishments was his lay leadership in the church as a bible study teacher and church board member. He also volunteered as a coach for his children's sport teams. All the softball kids in Del Gardens knew coach Stone. Almost a decade later, Leo and Hedy had a third child, Suzette Renee.

As a second career, Leo and Hedy opened the Cooked Goose. It became their extra living room where their beloved friends and acquaintances would often stop by for their famous Chinese chicken salad, homemade snickerdoodles, breakfast casseroles, and so much more. Leo always padded the catering with way too much food. His favorite catering was for the Joy group at the Church at Rancho Bernardo. For those that knew him, this was no surprise as he was known to be a generous man who placed a high value on relationships and sharing a meal together. Leo's final job was working at Sea World alongside the Budweiser Clydesdale who was also named Leo. He found joy in working with people across all age groups and found a wonderful community there.

Leo patterned his life after the call to love God first and to recognize that relationships are more important than things. Leo was a welcoming man who valued intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth. He became a surrogate father figure, mentor, and role model for many. Moments like walking James Finley down the aisle for his wedding as a father figure was a true delight and honor for Leo.

Leo was predeceased by his parents and stepparents, Leo Malcolm Sr. (father) & Helen Stone, Ethyl (mother) & Robert Nolan, and Leo's lifelong love, Hedy, who passed in 2004 after a long battle with cancer. He leaves behind his three children, John (wife Lorrie), Pamela, and Suzette (partner Mitch) & two grandchildren, Bethany Eva & Aaron David. He was also the grandpa to some special furry grand dogs over the years. Close to his heart he leaves behind the" remnant" small group of lifelong friends that were chosen family and among them was his close companion Marlene Sherman.

Friends & family of Leo will gather together to celebrate his life and legacy on Friday, November 4th, at 11am at the Church at Rancho Bernardo, 11740 Bernardo Plaza Court, San Diego, CA 92128. A light lunch will be served. Dress comfortably with a splash of blue if you have it.

A gift can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Leo Stone. This gift will continue to bring hope to the children of St. Jude today, tomorrow and beyond.