Martin Stone (1928–2024)

Saratoga Springs, NY - Martin Stone, a trailblazing business leader, political activist, and devoted family man, passed away on November 19, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant and meaningful as the life he led.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Dorothy Chasen and Sam Stone, Martin's family relocated to Los Angeles during the Great Depression. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), received a Master of Laws from the University of Southern California, and earned a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, where he later taught securities law. Martin began his professional career as a corporate lawyer before becoming Chairman of the Board and CEO of Monogram Industries, Inc. Under his visionary leadership, Monogram became one of the first major U.S. conglomerates, listing on the New York Stock Exchange and earning recognition as one of the fastest-growing companies of the 1960s and 1970s.

A man of profound social conscience, Martin was a prominent figure in California politics and a passionate advocate for justice. A vocal opponent of the Vietnam War, he played a pivotal role in Senator Eugene McCarthy's 1968 presidential campaign and proudly earned a place on President Nixon's infamous "Enemies List."

His unwavering dedication to civic engagement and equity extended far beyond the business world. At just 28 years old, Martin argued and won a case before the U.S. Supreme Court—a testament to his remarkable intellect and determination. Over his lifetime, he served on numerous boards, including the Urban Coalition, Common Cause, the National Council of the Salk Institute, Loyola University, United Way, the Sugar Ray Robinson Youth Foundation, the Trudeau Institute, was Commissioner of the Los Angeles Recreation & Parks Department and the Coliseum Commission, and served as an Advisory Board member for Yosemite National Park's Concession Services. Working with the Black Panther Party, he established a Montessori school in Watts.

Martin's entrepreneurial spirit extended to publishing, where he helped found and chaired The World Paper and owned California Business magazine.

Second only to his love of family was Marty's enduring passion for baseball. A skilled batting practice pitcher, he threw for major league teams, including the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Braves, and proudly earned a World Series ring with the Red Sox in 1975.

In the 1970s, Martin transitioned from corporate leadership to focus on family and personal pursuits. After marrying Connie Dickey, the love of his life, he sold his interest in Monogram Industries. Together with his family, he embarked on new adventures, living in Boston, MA; Lake Placid, NY; Tucson, AZ; Bigfork, MT; and finally, Saratoga Springs, NY, where he and Connie spent the last 11 years surrounded by family and close friends.

In Arizona, Martin combined his business expertise with his love for baseball as the owner of the AAA Phoenix Firebirds and Tucson Sidewinders. His passion for nature and hiking fueled his involvement in conservation efforts, a commitment he carried to Lake Placid. In the Adirondack Mountains, Martin embraced the outdoors, quickly becoming a "46er" and dedicating time to hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, trail building, and search and rescue efforts.

Above all, Martin's greatest joy was his family. As a father and grandfather, he inspired those around him with his love of life, intellectual curiosity, and boundless sense of adventure. Famous for his silly songs, doggerel, long stories, and infectious optimism, Martin brought laughter and light to every gathering.

Martin was predeceased by his brother, Fred Stone, a renowned equine artist. He is survived by his beloved wife Connie; his children Eric, Nancy, Lori Bellingham (Norman), Sam, and Katie Petronis (Mark); his grandchildren Eloise and Nicole Bellingham and Anders Petronis; his dog Mocha; and his cat Homer. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and love.

In the words of his family, Martin "taught us to embrace life's twists and turns, look beyond surface appearances, and always move forward with empathy, enthusiasm, and purpose." He will be deeply missed and forever celebrated.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Jimmy Fund in Marty's name. Donations can be made online at www.jimmyfund.org .

To honor his memory, the family hopes you will take a walk outdoors and reflect on his remarkable life.