Philip A. Stone

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Philip A. Stone, 97, of Milford, NH, a courageous and honorable veteran of World War II. On June 4, 2023, he departed this earth, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate his remarkable life and the indelible mark he left on history.

Born on March 9, 1926 to Arthur and Herminia (Roy) Larocque in Nashua, NH. Phil was raised with his brothers, Gerald, Frederick, and Ernest Larocque and George Marquis; and his sisters Adrienne (Marquis) Boilard and Rita Bernard.

He was just 17 when the call to serve his country echoed across the nation, he proudly answered it. Joining the ranks of the United States Navy, he embarked on a journey that would shape not only his own life but also the course of history. As a crewmember of LST622, he fought valiantly across the Pacific. If you knew Philip from the local VFW or Legion he would tell you stories of his being called the “Damn Yankee”, and learning the jobs of signalman and gunner. He maintained contact with his shipmates for many decades, attending reunions and handwriting the same letter 20+ times to share with his mates the news of a death or illness.

After his military service, Phil tried on many professional hats: jeweler, car sales, and in 1967 settled into Sanders Associates in Nashua (now BAE) where he retired after 23 years of service. In his off time, Phil was a car enthusiast and served as President of the Granite State Sport Car Club 1960-1962 racing his prized 1962 Triumph TR4 in road rallies. He also spent many years on his Merrimack farm supporting his daughter Erica’s love of horses.

Philip believed that keeping moving was the key to a healthy life. And over the last decades could be found at the Amherst Walmart walking a few times a day. He greatly enjoyed the friendships he made there and was proud of his “Honorary Associate” badge. A social man, you could find Phil at the Cafe on the Oval for an early morning western omelet, or in the afternoon at the Milford Legion or VFW having a ginger ale. These were rituals he continued independently until just weeks before his death.

Philip Stone is survived by his sons David (wife Lisa) of Peterborough, NH and Mark Stone (wife Kelly) of Aiken SC, his son-in-law Darren Garasky of Merrimack, NH, his daughter Lynda Olenoski of Sparta, NJ, and his grandchildren: Taylor Marshall of Merrimack, NH, TSgt Isaac Stone (wife SSgt Kiana) of Jaffrey NH, and Isabella Stone of Peterborough, NH. He was predeceased by his daughter Erica Garasky, his siblings and parents. He has been blessed by many other family members, shipmates and friends that will cherish his memory.

In honor of his service and life, we will pay tribute to Philip A Stone on Friday, June 23rd at 9 am at a public ceremony at the Veternan’s Cemetary in Boscawen, NH. We invite all who enjoyed his infectious sense of humor to gather at the VFW in Milford at 3-6PM on Friday, June 23 to celebrate his life, express our deepest gratitude for his courage, and share our stories of friendship.

In Lieu of flowers please share your generosity with Home Health and Hospice Care in his name. www.hhhc.org