WINTHROP – Donald Francis Stone, 75, of Winthrop, died Thursday, Dec. 18, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Morristown, N.J., May 6, 1933, the son of Leroy and Dorothy (Spooner) Stone. He attended Liberty Corner grade school in Morristown through fourth grade and then attended Winthrop schools until his graduation in 1950. Don served in the U.S. Army from 1953 through 1955, stationed mostly in Texas and Alaska. Upon his return to Winthrop, he attended Bliss College in Lewiston, majoring in accounting.

Many of his family members had been masons and he joined the Bricklayers Union in 1956. He worked as a mason for Salters Corporation for 20 years.

In 1959, he married Marie Cecile Fleury, then a teacher in Augusta. From 1975 through 1983, he and Marie owned and operated Prospect Hill Golf Course in Auburn. They then devoted their time to operating and maintaining their 33 apartments in Winthrop until their retirement this year.

He spent much of his spare time working and tinkering on his antique cars, especially his 1956 and 1964 Corvettes. He spent time displaying his cars throughout the state at car shows. He also built many ship models, some from kits and some, including the Katahdin and a sailing ship, from scratch. He and Marie also spent much time antiquing. He was a master woodworker, building two grandfather clocks, a seven drawer desk and several other coffee tables and various items.

He leaves behind his wife, Marie Cecile Stone; his sister, Sandra Tibbetts and her husband, Lester; his sisters-in-law, Lorraine Fleury and Alice Brooks and her husband, Terry; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Jeanette.

Don’s family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Magioncalda and the staff at the Alfond Cancer Center, the MaineGeneral Medical Center nurses and staff on the third floor and all the staff at Braybirch for the kindness and consideration given Don and his family during his long battle with cancer.