Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
Roger W. “Rocky” Stone, age 68, of Wilmington, formerly of Woburn, passed away on October 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Roger was born on September 13, 1957. He was the cherished 6th child and youngest son of the late Joseph W. Stone and Rita C. (Muse) Stone.
Roger was always a happy child, with a great sense of humor and a love of knowledge. He was always ready to learn new games and skills, unusual facts or just take on new tasks. He had a paper route when he was 12 and rode his bike in all types of weather without fail to complete the job; he was always accountable and never complaining.
He loved playing with friends in Wilmington, being a Boy Scout, enjoying the United Methodist Church youth group, and made life-long friends at Hedding Campground. His upbeat nature, sense of humor, and ability to always see the positive side would remain from his childhood through his whole life. Everyone who crossed his path did not soon forget him.
In his freshman year of high school, Roger was fourteen and his world would change forever. He was hit by a car and suffered severe, life-threatening injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which affected his motor capabilities. He would be in a coma for over six months with many near death occurrences. Many times, the family heard from doctors that he would never come out of the coma.
When Roger came out of the coma, the family was told that each small thing he managed to do would be the most to expect of him. With the never-ending help of countless therapists, doctors, family, friends and community, he broke the boundaries that they thought would exist. While he could not return to his pre-accident abilities, he worked hard and created a new life; one that he could apply his new capabilities to. All while maintaining his sunny disposition and sense of humor. At this time, Roger found that books and music were not only a good way to get function back, but new favorite activities he would have forever. Hundreds of books, fiction, non-fiction, even the Bible and reference books. Facts about songs origins, lyrics and a joyous, loud singing voice would be things his family enjoyed hearing.
Remaining active in church and with friends, Roger’s parents encouraged him to be just another one of the kids. During the fall, winter and spring, he attended a day program at Cerebral Palsy of Greater Boston. In the summer, he could be found enjoying time with friends at Hedding Campground and attending summer camp at Camp Sea Haven on Plum Island. Friends were always happy to include Roger in whatever they planned.
The year 1992 would bring an opportunity that would become a 33-year relationship with the event that Roger looked forward to more than anything each year. Camp Allen, with campers of varying disabilities, found Roger always seeing old friends and making new ones, all while brightening the camp with his singing and campaigning to be the President of Camp Allen.
In 1997, Roger moved into Supportive Living Inc.’s Warren House in Woburn. A dream that was worked on for years by his parents and the families of other survivors, was the first residential home dedicated to Traumatic Brain Injury survivors in the country. As one of the first residents, he would live there with the same housemates for over 26 years. Housemates and staff became an addition to the people he would consider family. While living there, he would find the safe environment that would let him enjoy independence that may not have come otherwise.
In 2023, it was evident that his medical needs had outgrown his ability to live at Warren House. He found his last home and more friends in the staff and residents at Care One in Wilmington. The joy he had for life was always seen in the faces of staff, and in no time, he had everyone calling “Rocky” whenever he returned from church each week or from his camp trip. He would sing at all times of the day and make sure to exit conversations with his signature “Make it a great day!”
To all the people who have cared for, loved, engaged with and made Roger feel worthwhile in his life, his family are forever grateful. May we all continue to carry his light to the world.
Roger was a cherished son, preceded in death by his parents, Joseph W. Stone and Rita C. Muse. He was the loving brother of Jeanne E. Gricci and her husband James of Northfield VT, Joseph W. Stone Jr. and his wife Betsy of Springfield VA, Richard H. Stone of Beverly MA, David P. Stone and his wife Kristine of Wilmington MA, Cynthia H. Eddy and her husband Harry of Limington, ME, Sally I. Stone of Berkeley CA, Norma L. Biggins and her husband Michael of Wilmington. He was the beloved uncle to his fourteen nieces and nephews, and fifteen great-nieces and great-nephews.
Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Wilmington United Methodist Church, 87 Church Street, (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Friday, October 10th from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Hedding Chautauqua Association, c/o Lisa Blackburn, P.O. Box 5017, Salisbury, MA 01952.
Arrangements under the direction of Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington. www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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