Albert F. Stoner passed away at 6:13 PM on October 15, 2025, at Woodlawn Hospital shortly after his admission. His loving family was at his side.
On May 21, 1943, in New Paris, Ohio, Albert Francis Stoner was born. He was a treasured son of Melvin Franklin and Martha Kissinger Stoner. Growing up he shared his childhood with a brother Paul and 2 sisters Lucille and Ruby. During his junior year in high school the Stoner family moved from Ohio to Schererville, Indiana.
With a strong work ethic Al began his professional career with Ford Motor Company in Chicago Heights in 1962. He was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union # 588. As a forklift operator he worked at the Ford Plant for 30 years, retiring on June 7, 1992.
On January 16, 1963, Al married the love of his life, Miss Shirley Jean Barnett in Crown Point. Together they shared 63 years of life's adventures. From their union came three wonderful children, Tom, Terry and Patti. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.
In 1992, the Stoners came to beautiful Nyona Lake to make it their home. With that Al joined the Rochester NAPA team where he embraced his new work family and garnered many friendships through assisting customers with their automotive needs during his 17 ½ year tenure. A great conversationalist and storyteller once you met Al you made a friend for life.
An American sportsman, Al was an accomplished fisherman. He and Shirley enjoyed many tranquil sunrises and sunsets while wetting their line on the sparkling waters of Nyona Lake. They took the kids annually to Wisconsin. Al hosted many fish fries with the catches of the day. His favorite pole was the classic cane pole with bobber. One summer while fishing on Potato Lake in Wisconsin he landed a 42-inch Muskie, his biggest ever. Proudly he lifted it from the water briefly for some quick photos to capture the moment then released it back into lake.
Left to cherish Al's memory are his loving wife Shirley J. Stoner, Macy; 3 children: Tom (Kathie) Stoner of Kouts, Terry (Sandy) Stoner of Rochester, Patti (Seth) Nichols of Lowell; his sister Ruby Miller of New Madison, Ohio; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Al will be missed by the many friends he made during life's journey.
Welcoming Al into Heaven's Gates are his parents Melvin and Martha Stoner, a brother Paul Stoner, a sister Lucille Mackey, a grandson Bernard Nichols and a grandson-in-law Brandon Schreiber.
Per his wishes, a celebration of the life of Al Stoner will be held at a later date. Memorials honoring his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
