Nelson Stone

Nelson Stone
1943 - 2026
Longmeadow
Nelson Stone of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on January 11, 2026, at the age of 82.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bernard Nelson Stone was born on February 15, 1943, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to Anna (Burstein) and Morris Stone. Nelson graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River in 1961, where he fenced and was an active member of the Science and Glee Clubs. Nelson began his professional career in the textile industry, where he worked as a Sales Manager for more than 30 years. While raising his young family, he attended night classes at Western New England College and earned his bachelor's degree in 1978. After retiring from the textile industry, Nelson continued working in real estate for another decade. Nelson was a dedicated congregant of Sinai Temple, where he was a member of the Men of Sinai and a volunteer on several committees.
He was cherished for his quick wit, legendary dad jokes, and his role as the keeper of both interesting and delightfully useless facts. Nelson was an avid lover of chess, astronomy, and photography, though his family often joked that they would grow old waiting for him to finally take the shot. His greatest happiness came from the pride he took in his family, whom he loved unconditionally.
Nelson is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marlene Stone (née Rogers). They fell in love at first sight and were married on October 11, 1964. His love for Marlene was a lifelong model of devotion, and their love story remains one of the greatest gifts he gave his family. Nelson enjoyed traveling with Marlene, cruising the Caribbean, and taking many trips to her favorite magical destination, Disney World.
Nelson leaves behind his children, Mark Stone and his wife Melanie, Deborah Stone and her husband Brian Popiel, and Eric Stone and his wife Charyl Ann D'April, all of whom were a constant source of pride to him. He was a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren who brought him endless joy: Andrew Stone and his wife Eva, Lauren Stone, engaged to Max Schwartz; Zachary, Caden, Jacob, and Nicholas Popiel; and Ryan, Erika, and Carson Stone. He was preceded in death by his baby daughter Anna as well as his brothers, Alan Stone and Paul Stone.
Nelson will be remembered for his humor, kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the love he shared and the lives he touched.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday Jan. 15th at 10:00 a.m. at Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickinson Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, followed by a burial service at Sinai Temple Memorial Park, 649 Cottage Street, Springfield. Family and friends are invited to join in sitting Shiva that evening at 7:00 p.m. in Cotz Hall at the Glenmeadow, 24 Tabor Crossing, Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Nelson's memory to the Arlene and Arthur Rogers Program Fund at Sinai Temple or to a charity of your choosing.
For further information or direction, please visit ascherzimmerman.com.