In Memory

Richard 'Dick' Stoney - Class Of 1956 VIEW PROFILE

Richard 'Dick' Stoney

Richard 'Dick' Thomas Stoney, age 80, passed away June 22, 2018 in Covina, California. Dick was born on January 14, 1938 in Pasadena to Anita Thomas (SPHS '31) and Wesley Stoney (SPHS '21). For ten years, lived in South Pasadena, moving to Seal Beach for a short time, then moving back to South Pasadena to attend and graduate from South Pasadena High School in 1956.

It was no surprise to anyone that Dick would pursue a career in electronics as he demonstrated interest in it at a very early age, fixing radios for his friends, re-wiring electronic train sets with his dad, and single handedly re-wiring their Seal Beach house at the age of 14. It is said that as a baby, Dick's first words were not 'mom' and 'dad'; rather 'yight' - pointing to a light bulb in their South Pasadena home.

Dick completed his AA degree at Pasadena City College with focused studies in electronics, graduating with distinction in 1958. He joined the US Army in 1961 where he served three years active duty in Korea and Ft Irwin, discharging with the rank of sergeant, serving an additional three years as a reservist; honorably discharging in 1967.

He returned to South Pasadena to pursue his own business originally known as 'Musitronics', an electronic organ repair service, changing the name later to Stoney Organ Service. He became known as one of the best (if not THE best) in his field; servicing everything from electronic home organs to large church pipe organs, getting calls from all over the state. In April 1983 he and Kathleen O'Brien were married and in 1984 they moved into their dream home in Covina.

Dick loved Theatre Pipe Organ concerts, going to movies, traveling, photography...and to say he loved his country, might be an understatement. He served with Kathy in leadership positions of the California Association for the Physically Handicapped (CAPH) for several years, fighting for equal access for people with disabilities. They joined the Reform Party and campaigned for Ross Perot; then Pat Buchanan. In the 90s they were instrumental in starting what came to be known as the San Gabriel Valley chapter post-polio support (PPS) group where again, they held leadership positions. 

Following his beloved wife Kathy's passing in 2012, he continued to be involved in the PPS support group, and has been an active volunteer at the ESGV Republican Center in Covina. He was a member of the LA Theatre Organ Society (LATOS) and the Association for Mature American Citizens (AMAC).

Dick is survived by his daughter Lisa Hayes, daughter and son-in-law Resette and Larry Schneider, three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his cousin Patty Fish LaCount (SPHS '61). He was predeceased by his sister, Diana Stoney (SPHS '61).

Batesville Interactive, June 2018





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