Obituary of Steven C. Stone

Steven Carl Stone (April 1959 – March 2026) Steven Stone, a man whose mechanical wizardry could turn rusty relics into roaring machines and whose heart was as vast as the great outdoors he loved, passed away peacefully at Auburn Community Hospital. He was 66 years young, though he'd probably argue he was just hitting his prime for one more epic ride. Born in April 1959 in Cortland, New York, Steve grew up with a knack for tinkering that would define his life. He spent nearly 30 years as a dedicated railway worker, keeping the tracks running smoothly and no doubt sharing a few tall tales with his crew along the way. But Steve's true genius shone in his garage, where he transformed his old 4x4 pickup into a log skidder-leaving everyone scratching their heads and amazed by his ingenuity. If something was broken, Steve fixed it, satisfied with nothing more than one's appreciation and respect. Steve's friends, family and neighbors all knew where to go when something broke, and he loved that role. When he wasn't under the hood or on the rails, Steve embraced the wild side of life. He was an avid outdoorsman, chasing thrills through hunting, fishing, and powersports. Whether zipping across snowy trails on his sleds with his brothers, cruising on his motorcycles, or conquering the terrain off road, Steve lived for the adrenaline—and the occasional fish story that grew with each retelling. His family was his anchor, and he cared for them with a quiet, profound devotion that needed no words. Steve's willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need, without expecting anything in return, made him a quiet hero in his community. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and a garage full of projects that might just inspire the next generation of tinkerers. A private gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date at Taylor Wesleyan Church—bring your best Steve stories. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to an outdoor conservation group or vocational program, so others can enjoy the wild places he cherished. Steve, we'll miss your fixes, your fun, and your fire—until we meet again on the ultimate trail. To offer condolences online visit www.wright-beard.com