David "Stoney" Stone

Ipswich, MA - It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of David "Stoney" Stone, of Ipswich MA, who passed away on March 9, 2026 at the age of 79 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by his loving family at the Kaplan Family Hospice Center in Danvers.

Born in Boston on June 28, 1946 to Ray and Lillian Stone, he was raised in Cambridge, but a summer resident of Ipswich from the time he was a toddler. The family became year-round residents of Ipswich in 1963. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood on Great Neck, full of tree forts, an underground fort, water skiing, sailing and scuba diving.

Stoney graduated from Nasson College in Springvale, Maine, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He served in the U.S. Army for three years as a general's aide, after which he used his GI Bill benefits to attend photography school. The rest is history.

Stoney and his wife Susan were happily married for 36 years. They raised their family in Cambridge and Ipswich. He enjoyed annual vacations with his family in the Adirondacks and multiple motorcycle trips to explore his family roots in Newfoundland, all the while honing his craft. He was a truly gifted photographer. He was the manager and, later, the owner of Spectrum Color Labs in Boston. Later, he became a staff photographer at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Through the lens of his ever-present camera and his passion for his craft, he acquired hundreds of followers on social media. He was known for his ability to capture stunning photographs, but he was also well known as a wonderful friend and a great wit, always ready with a humorous take on the world around him. He went on to teach photography classes in many venues.

As he told his students, "You don't take a picture; you make a picture."

Stoney was very active volunteering for the Trustees of Reservations, the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the Ipswich Museum and many other civic organizations.

Stoney is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Vanessa, daughter-in-law Kelly, daughter Amy, son Sam and his significant other Markie Mappes. He is also survived by his brother Robert Stone and his wife Kathy, along with many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Campbell Funeral Home at 6 High Street in Ipswich. A Celebration of Life is planned for later this spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to the Ipswich Museum and/or the Trustees of Reservations, two organizations which held a special place in his heart. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.