Albert Paul Stone
Al Stone, 61, of Albuquerque,
New Mexico passed away on December 6, 2017. Al struggled with Huntington’s disease over the past several years, a progressively debilitating disease for which there is no cure.
Al was born on August 23, 1956 in Prescott, Arizona to Irene and Albert Lee Stone Sr. He graduated from Prescott High School and shortly after that joined the Navy. Even as a young man, Al’s work ethic was always strong. He worked as a paper boy as soon as he was able to ride a bike and carry the newspapers. He saved his money and bought his 1st car at 15, where it sat for a year as he was too young for a driver’s license.
He served in the Navy for six years as an Electronics Warfare Technician, attaining the rank of Petty Officer First Class before his honorable discharge. After the Navy, Al was hired by Intel Corporation in Phoenix, Arizona as an equipment technician. In 1987, Al was chosen to help start a new Intel site located in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Through his strong work ethic, leadership skills and commitment to the company, Al worked his way up through ranks, retiring as a senior manager.
In 1992, Al met Dianne Martinez, the love of his life, and soon afterwards married her. He welcomed the opportunity of becoming an instant father to her two daughters, Natalie and Samantha, who he cherished. Al knew that he carried the Huntington’s disease gene and it was only a matter of time before he developed symptoms. He left Intel after 16 years to spend his remaining healthy years enjoying family, travel and golf.
Despite living with Huntington’s disease for many years, Al was able to maintain and build strong and positive relationships with his family, friends, and community. He was an avid golfer and board member of numerous local groups. He enjoyed mentoring others and sharing his life experience and wisdom with friends and family. He often helped them to learn life skills such as finances and worklife life balance, a favorite topic of his. He especially enjoyed working with young families, stressing the importance of beginning to save money and planning for their family’s future. He also loved his morning daily walks on the foothills trails with his be- loved dog Sierra. Finally, he was a proud “Papa” to his two grandchildren, Jalen and Alexa who he loved spending time with.
Al is survived by his wife of 25 years, Dianne; their two daughters, Natalie Olvera (David Kaufman) and Samantha Alexander (Jonathan Alexander); two grandchildren, Jalen Olvera and Alexa Kaufman; his mother, Irene Miller; sister, Sandra Leyva; and brother, Randall Stone.
A private service was held to honor his life. If you would like to honor Al Stone, please consider a donation in his name to the Huntington’s Disease Society (HDSA.org) to support research for a cure.