Joseph R. Stone

Joseph Robert Stone, age 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
Born on May 24, 1955, Joseph was the son of the late Isaac Stone and Anna (Disabato) Stone. He was raised on Longfellow Street in Vandergrift, PA, where he attended St. Gertrude Elementary and graduated from Kiski Area High School with the Class of 1973.
Known to most as "Joe," he was a gifted athlete and a standout football player. He played a key role on several championship teams. His field goal that clinched the win over Penn Hills in the 1971 WPIAL semi-final remains a cherished event in town. Joe continued his football career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he proudly contributed to the Pitt Panthers' 1976 National Championship team.
Joe dedicated his professional life to the heavy highway construction industry, being a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 66 union. He helped build countless roads and bridges across the region. As a superintendent, he took great pride in mentoring younger workers and leading by example.
Early in life, Joe spent many hours picnicking at Crooked Creek dam with his parents and siblings and enjoyed playing on numerous softball teams, his favorite being "Denny's Hancock Inn".
Outside of work, Joe enjoyed tirelessly tending to his property and home, "tinkering" in his garage, golfing, boating with family, fishing, and vacationing at the beach. A devoted father, he was deeply involved in his children's lives-coaching, attending recitals, and supporting them in every way possible. In their adulthood, he remained a constant source of that support-always ready to help with a move or fix something around their respective homes. Nothing made Joe happier than the chaos and mayhem of his entire family as he made his spaghetti sauce for Sunday's family dinner.
Joe is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jodie (Solar) Stone, and his children: Joe Stone (Holly), Jessie Stone (Brian), Jordan Stone (Blair), and Jilian Stone (Frank). He is also survived by his siblings: Sandi Klingensmith (Marshall), Michele Bridges (Robert), John Stone (Barb), and Tom Stone (Sherri) and in-laws Etta Solar (late John Solar), Jill Solar (Bill), Randy Solar (Terri) and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Joe was the proud grandfather of Joey, Leighland, Ellia, Brody, Jacob and Nathan, with one more grandchild, Magnus, on the way.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service that will be held at St. Gertrude Catholic Church, 303 Franklin Avenue, Vandergrift on Friday, August 22 at 11:00 AM with Fr. Alan N. Polczynski as celebrant. Arrangements have been entrusted to the DUNMIRE - KERR & ROWE FUNERAL HOME, INC. 244 Franklin Avenue, Vandergrift. Per Joe's wishes, In lieu of flowers, donations-monetary or blood-to Vitalant Blood Bank of Pittsburgh in Joe's honor. (https://vitalantfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/157302-vitalant-everyday-giving) To leave an online condolence visit us at www.dunmirekerr.com