Donald Anthony Stone

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Donald “Don” Stone of Orange Park, FL. He left this world April 3, 2025. Donald Anthony Stone was born July 6, 1955, in Levittown, PA, to Donald and Joan Stone. Don loved to spend all his time with his wife, Cynthia, and their four dogs. He was an avid cook, always trying out new and old recipes, grilling, and smoking meats, to make a reason for friends and family to come together. 

Don’s early life in Pennsylvania was spent as an all-star athlete in wrestling and football. He excelled in football and earned a scholarship to Clemson, where he played two years before being released due to an injury. During his time off from college, he hitchhiked his way from Pennsylvania to Yellowstone, where he worked as a dishwasher for the summer.  Afterward, he hitchhiked his way back to Pennsylvania on an empty greyhound bus sent back for service. 

His adult life started by joining the Navy in Pennsylvania, where he had worked as a rescue swimmer jumping out of helicopters. Don traveled the world with the Navy, and even got a tattoo in Djibouti. At the end of his naval tenure, he resided in Jacksonville. With the experience he had gained, he applied to become a safety trainer at Florida Steel, which is where he met his wife, Cindy. 

Don was a loving father. Weekends always revolved around sports, whether it was coaching soccer or basketball games, countless wrestling tournaments, high school football and soccer games, or just taking his three sons to Jaguars games. 

Donald’s infectious laughter would light up every room he was in. His quick, witty jokes would make anyone feel like they have known him for years. His big frame and booming voice were all a facade to the gentle loving nature he had. Don was an avid volunteer in local community projects. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy; children, Tyler, Ryan (Cassandra) and DJ; grandchildren Sadie and Stella; brothers, Michael, Gregory, and Matthew; and his sister, Mary. 

Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He will be missed dearly.     7-6-55   ~   4-3-25

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Anthony Stone, please visit our floral store.