Robert J. Stone, Jr.

Robert Joseph Stone, of Marshfield, MA, formerly of Whitman, MA, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, at the age of 78, following a courageous thirteen-year battle with cancer.

Bob was the beloved husband and lifelong companion of Karen (Hood) Stone for over fifty-six wonderful years. He was the devoted father of Kristen Ennis and her husband Steve of Hull, MA, Scott Stone of Marshfield, MA, Kate Bonneau and her husband Randy of Duxbury, MA, and Kelly Fraser and her husband Matt of Hanover, MA. He was the doting grandfather—and generous supplier of endless ice cream and sweets—to Julia, Emma, Brooke, Brynn, and Sean. He was the dear brother of Michael Stone and his wife Nancy of Quincy, MA, Kevin Stone and his wife Anne of Colorado Springs, CO, Barbara Fanning and her husband Paul of Boston, MA, and Shawn Stone and his wife Gail of Mason, OH. Bob was predeceased by his loving parents, Robert J. Stone, Sr. and Shirley (Londergan) Stone of Braintree, MA. He was also deeply cherished by his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.

A proud 1966 graduate of Braintree High School, Bob earned his Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing from Lowell Technological Institute in 1970, where he was honored in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Early in his career, he managed several Sears department stores before relocating to Miami, Florida, to work for Teledyne Corporation. Following his father’s passing, Bob returned home to care for his mother and assume management of the family-owned convenience store in Weymouth, MA.

Driven by a deep passion for public service, Bob dedicated decades to his community. He served on the Whitman Board of Selectmen before being elected to the Plymouth County Board of Commissioners, where he served with distinction for twelve years. Instrumental in the development of the Plymouth County House of Correction and the Plymouth County Courthouse, he took immense pride in regional governance. Beyond the commission, he remained an active political voice across the South Shore, running as a Republican candidate for State Representative and Plymouth County Sheriff, and serving as Deputy Director for the Massachusetts Division of Standards within Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. In retirement, he operated Miller’s Country Store in downtown Plymouth, where he delighted in pouring free coffee for patrons and conversing with people from all walks of life. He was also a proud, active member of the Whitman Kiwanis Club.

Above all else, Bob was a family man. He loved Karen fiercely, gleefully competing on the twenty-second of every month to be the first to wish her a happy anniversary. He relished working side-by-side with Kristen in the family store, coaching Scott’s youth basketball teams, and cheering enthusiastically for Kate and Kelly from the sidelines and theater rows. Yet, his most cherished title was "Pa." He delighted in finding special treasures for his grandchildren and kept the freezer perpetually stocked with ice cream for every visit.

Bob was a man of steadfast faith, a voracious reader, an avid lottery player, and a passionate enthusiast of great music, especially Chicago. A dedicated antique collector, he requested Buffalo Pottery for every birthday to enrich his extensive collection. He found quiet joy in life’s simple pleasures: finishing a thrilling Clive Cussler novel, playing basement poker with his buddies in Whitman, hunting for sea glass on Fieldston Beach with Karen, taking trips to Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods with his mother and son, vacationing in Aruba, savoring an almond croissant delivered with love by his granddaughters, hosting summer cookouts for family and neighbors, and watching the third of July fireworks from his living room window. He expressed his love by feeding anyone who walked through his door and supporting those in need through weekly donations to the local food pantry. Bob was a selfless leader of remarkable character, unwavering integrity, and enduring devotion to his God, his family, and his community.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann by the Sea Church, 587 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA, followed by interment in the Couch Cemetery on Union Street, Marshfield, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of Bob can be made to the Marshfield Food Pantry, by mail to P.O. Box 1097, Marshfield, MA 02050 and online at: https://marshfieldfoodpantry.org/