Arthur John "Jay" Stone

Arthur ("Jay") Stone, age 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Middletown on January 17th, 2018. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Jay spent the majority of his adult years working as a dishwasher at Shady Side Academy, retiring in 2010 after which his New England family welcomed him to a new life in Middletown. Though this move was difficult, with transitional help from the staff at the James L. Maher Center, Jay settled into a comfortable and meaningful new life. He thoroughly enjoyed volunteering weekly at the Rhode Island Blood Center and making good friends there, attending family gatherings, going to the beach, eating out, and regularly traveling by train to his sister's home in Cambridge, MA. Recently, Jay was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Maher Center, a position that gave him great pride. Jay was a gentle giant, always willing to lend a hand to his family and friends. He took pleasure in watching classic television and movies and feeding and watching the birds outside his window. He was a meticulous diary and record keeper, painstakingly hand recording every detail of his and his family's lives. He catalogued activities, meals, chores, purchases, weather patterns, and numbers, and even the disposition of his family members. He never missed an opportunity to send a handwritten birthday card year after year to the ones he loved. He was truly a pure and sweet soul. Jay's trusting demeanor and childlike innocence reminded us every day of what is most important and allowed his caretakers to truly show their kindest, best selves. Jay is survived by his sisters Susan Stone Niazy of Middletown; Andrea Stone of Cambridge, MA; and Janet Wolf of Pittsburgh, PA and brother-in-law Farouk Niazy. He also will be missed by his niece, Jennifer Niazy O'Shea and his nephews Paul Wolf, Andy Niazy and their families.Memorial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the James L. Maher Center, 906 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown RI 02842 or a blood donation to any chapter of the Rhode Island Blood Center would be appreciated by Jay's family.