It is with deep sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of John Stone, a man of boundless energy and intelligence. John was born on September 5, 1960, and transitioned out of this life on February 7, 2026. Through his journey of 65 years, he touched many lives with his wisdom, humor, and unwavering spirit and enthusiasm for life.

Driven by curiosity and an endless thirst for knowledge and zest for life, John was a lifelong learner, outdoor adventurer, nature lover, and student in the school of life. He had a passion for discovering new things, which led to a myriad of interests, both early on and later in life. These included star gazing and astronomy, studying rock formations and geology, science in general, hiking trails and extreme terrains, riding in 100 mile bicycle rides, traveling all over the US and abroad, skiing black diamond slopes, "EDM" (electronic dance music) dancing, sailing in his sailboat, driving fast cars, attending black tie events, going to art galleries and museums, studying politics, actively trading complex securities, and somehow still finding time to voraciously read. This spirit with which he characterized his life translated into lessons he earnestly imparted onto those around him.

John received his BS in Physics from the University of Rochester, MS in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, and his MBA from the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management. He held several positions in the fields of astronomy, aerospace engineering, and finance on the east and west coasts, and eventually became a partner at Near Earth, llc., where he provided investment banking advisory services to the space industry and the telematics / loT sector.

Among the many milestones of his well lived life, John was also focused on giving back to the community and the planet. He took pride and enjoyment in researching and serving as an expert witness in his chosen fields. In addition to supporting various charities and organizations, he was proud to serve as the President of the Stamford Land Conservation Trust. Its mission is to preserve and protect open space for the benefit of the Stamford, CT community as well as the sustainability of our environment, a cause John believed in deeply. The SLCT currently protects 50 preserves comprising approximately 550 acres.

John also was proud to be a member of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Georgia chapter. The Society, of which he was a multigenerational member, is an organization founded in 1783, and created by the officers of General George Washington who fought for freedom and liberty in the American Revolution. Its mission is to perpetuate the memory and enduring principles of achieving American Independence. It lives on today through the membership of the original officers' direct descendants. John held various positions, including being Chairman of the McCabe Scholarship Committee and an elected member of the Standing Committee, and had been on the Nominating Committee's slate for election to the office of Alternate Delegate to represent Georgia on matters before the General Society—an office he did not live to fill. These are but a few examples of his desire to be an active participant in this world.

John's legacy of wisdom, humor, and unwavering spirit and enthusiasm for life will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing him. His remarkable life will forever be an inspiration, a testament to the power of an indomitable spirit enthused with curiosity, love of learning, nature, community, and above all, zest for life. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

John is survived by his twin sister, Lela Stone, cousins Greg, Randy, and Dawn Clarke, and his many friends. The family would also like to give special mention to John's longtime friend, Chris Epple, who was with John in his final hours, and to Hoyt Davidson, John's longtime friend and business partner. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and all who mourn John's departure.

A celebration of John's exceptional life will be held in Stamford, CT, where he lived for so many years, on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 1:00 PM -4:00 PM at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center's Knoblock Farmhouse. The celebration will be followed by a 45 minute optional astronomy experience at the Nature Center's planetarium at 4:00 PM. We invite all who knew and loved him to join us in honoring his memory.

In lieu of flowers, we are requesting that donations be made to the Stamford Land Conservation Trust in Stamford, CT. Donations can be made at: Home | Stamford Land Conservation Trust . We also encourage you to honor John's legacy of curiosity and zest for life by learning and seeking out new knowledge, pushing beyond the boundaries of the known, and sharing these insights with others. This, we believe, would be the best tribute to his extraordinary life.