Mike's obituary
Michael E. Stone passed away unexpectedly, June 6th 2022, in his new home in Lago Vista, Texas. He was living his retired life by alternating working in his garden, fishing often, and cheering on his favorite teams. His love of exploring and travel had taken him to many places recently. Getting to know parts of the United States he had never seen before gave him great joy.
Mike was born on September 12, 1945, at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, where his grandmother, Lucy Thompson, was a nurse. He attended Moorpark Elementary San Jose, Campbell JR High School, and Los Gatos High School. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Political Science at San Jose State University. He was also a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity at SJSU.
Mike met Kathleen Coffey Stone working on a float for homecoming at San Jose State University. They married in 1966 and celebrated their 56th anniversary last August.
Mike then went to Boalt Hall Law School to earn his Doctorate in Law. As a lawyer, he specialized in real estate law and practiced for over 50 years in San Jose and Santa Cruz, CA.
A friendly attorney who always would go for the laugh, Mike usually left a client with a pun, a joke, or a laughable story. He seemed just as pleased to get an eye roll as a huge laugh. He never stopped trying to make people laugh and smile.
He wore many hats over the years: Husband, Dad, Lawyer, wine maker, fisherman, Girl Scout leader, Upland bird hunter, softball coach, Big Brother Program, Spartan Booster Club, Sigma Nu Fraternity, Pre Cana program for the Catholic Church, and dog dad to a few extraordinary pets!
He cherished his role as grandfather and loved taking them on trips and loved to share in new experiences with them. He was so proud of all nine grandchildren: Athea, Falisha, Megan, Hailey, JT, Colin, Wyatt, Jack and Maddie. He was about to meet his first great-grandson, Myles, who he was already bragging about to anyone who would listen. He, also, had a special fondness for his new fishing buddy, Drew Morris, his "grandson-in-law".
Michael is survived by his best friend and wife, Kathleen; daughters, Christine Stolpe (Dan Stolpe), Kerri Montgomery (Brian Montgomery), Katherine Leffler(Jonathan Leffler); and son, Patrick M. Stone (Carrie Benjamin). He is also survived by brothers and sister-in -laws, Nehemiah Stone, Elizabeth Stone and Skip Williams, Nanci Williams, sister, Peggy Williams, and his very special Niece, Sarah Stone Francisco.