Bangor – Alan Joseph Stone, 53, finished his final approach and completed his flight here on earth May 28, 2018.

Alan was born on October 29, 1964, to Janet Rostrup.

Alan was proud to have been born and raised in Bangor, Maine. Attending local schools, the United Technology Center and Eastern Maine Community College. He loved sharing stories of his childhood, and was so close to his grandparents that he called them Nana and Dad. He cherished the times of reaching up and holding Dad's hand as they headed into Murray Motor Mart/Garage on Franklin Street. Alan deeply loved and respected his Nana and Dad, even in his last days, traveling out of town to their resting places and planting flowers.

Alan's strong work ethic was instilled in him at a young age. He was the most dedicated, hard-working employee that an employer could hope to have on payroll. He was forever grateful for all that Nana and Dad not only taught him, but showed him by their examples. Alan started his work career young, working at BIA within the food catering company that serviced flights. Alan's employment history also included Eastern Fine Paper, where he worked for 18 years until their last day before closing down permanently. While at Eastern and working multiple swing shifts with varying schedules, Alan was recognized for 15 years of perfect attendance, never missing a single day. Alan's most recent employment was for the University of Maine system, working at the Bangor campus. He started in the custodial department, advanced to safety and security, and finally worked doing what he truly enjoyed as a Facilities Maintenance Worker, Career Level II. Alan’s amazing work ethic was again on display as he researched even the different patterns and styles used for the very best care of the large lawns he would mow. Although Alan did have a remarkable work ethic, he always enjoyed the weekend after putting in a good week's work.

Alan enjoyed NASCAR, especially annual camping trips with Arlyenna to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He was a New England Patriots fan foremost, also inheriting a love for the Red Sox from Nana. He enjoyed working on and fixing anything and everything with his incredible knowledge, passing on that knowledge even in his last days as he enjoyed working on projects with one of his sons.
Alan loved "cold ones" of milk with his sidekick Jimmy. He always loved family cookouts and dinners. Alan loved playing with his grandchildren and watching as each one grew so quickly. Alan had a passion for flying, sharing that passion with his wife, helping her overcome a fear of flying to become someone holding that same passion within. Alan received his private pilot's license and was a member of University Flying Club (UFC) for 18 years. Alan volunteered and served as Club Treasurer for 15 years. His dedication and service enabled many aspiring pilots to achieve their dream and head for the skies. UFC gave much in return to Alan as well. He was so dedicated that his wife would bring his entire computer and the club mail right to the hospital room, helping to keep him busy during many long days.
Alan dealt with difficult times in his early adult years before meeting his wife Arlyenna. Instead of becoming angry or bitter at the way he had been treated, Alan was instead loving and compassionate, the sweetest man to walk this earth. Together, they blended their "Brady Bunch" family. Like his family, Alan’s love and heart only grew bigger. He loved their six children and was an amazing dad to all. Alan was such a proud grandfather, being there each time at the hospital as he was blessed with his first three grandchildren. Alan's fourth grandchild came into this world on the same day he left it. The family takes comfort knowing they met along the way, Alan surely teaching her "The Wind-Up" while she intently watched and burst into giggles, just as all his other grandchildren would.


Alan was called home to Heaven at 53 years young, although it is difficult to understand the why of the
past three years after being diagnosed with AML, Alan and Arlyenna knew the how of getting through each moment, each struggle, every doctor appointment, every lab result, every one of the 15 bone marrow biopsy and aspirations, each chemo dose, and every trip to Boston. It was but by the strength and grace of God that Alan and his wife were able to persevere.

His passing leaves behind a vast, enormous void in the lives of those whom cherished and loved so dearly this strong, kind, loyal, caring, loving, devoted, patient, understanding, incredible, humble, and amazing man. Alan leaves behind his devoted wife and soulmate, Arlyenna Stone; his children, Carissa, his personal favorite, 24/7 RN who would again and again fly back home across the country from California to be at his side, Erika and her husband, Brian, Ashley and her husband, William, Sean and his girlfriend, Sami, Sheldon and his wife, Haley, and Graham; his four grandchildren who would light up his beautiful eyes, Riley, Emmy, Eliot, and Finnley Grace; his mother, Janet Rostrup; by his siblings and their families; Ralph, Keith, Marie; a "bonus sis," Terry; by his cat Jack, who loved him and his baseball hats; and by dog, Lexie Stewart Stone. Alan was predeceased by his first canine best friend, Buddy, who was always his protector during those early adult years - thank you, Buddy.

Alan and Arlyenna are so grateful for every person who has been there for them the past three years. Unfortunately it's impossible to name you all, please know how appreciated you have been. Special thanks to their children and their families, for the unconditional, endless, 24/7 help, love, support, and prayers. Whether in Maine, Florida, or across the country in California, you got him through it all without even being asked. Also the entire Boston Team at both Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH); Edwin and Melissa, Dianna and Hannah, RN Pat, the RNs at EMMC, especially Kris and Randy, the RNs and staff at St. Joseph's Hospital Transfusion/Infusion Therapy Center in Bangor; especially Erin 1, Erin 2, Emma, Tina, Cherie, Brandy, Renee, Beth, Susan, and Linda. You all brought a little sunshine into those most recent days and deserve many of the "gold stars" Alan talked of. The St. Joseph's Hospital MD Team, the Coram Team, especially Monica and Terry; BWH Staff; RN Amanda, Mr. and Mrs. Stone will forever remember both you and Samantha for your love and dedication; RN Lisa, RN RaeRae, and far too many other RNs, NAs, and Hospitality Services staff to even list. The Angel Flight and Life Flight pilots, RNs, and staff, thank you so very much for allowing Alan to wear the headset on one of Alan’s last flights; RN Darlene thank you, for always talking to each patient, for staying, and to your husband and babies for their patience and understanding; the Neighborhood Family, Leta and Larry, hug him, Larry; Allen and Nena, Paul and Mary; Dalton and Lois; the many friends, even strangers, that are far too numerous to name; and especially Hero, whose sacrifice and the grace of God, gave Alan an additional 19 months and 21 days, we are forever grateful for every single one of those moments. We may not have received "Our Miracle" that we prayed so very hard for day and night these past months, but every day extra that you gave was a mini-miracle.

A service to celebrate Alan’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday June 23rd at 12 Olive Heights, Bangor, with Pastor Dalton Dunfee officiating. Friends and family are invited to attend as we celebrate the very special life of an amazing man. Alan would ask everyone and anyone, please consider becoming a bone marrow donor; reach out to BETHEMATCH.org for more information on becoming someone's Hero. As you read this now, many lives are waiting. In honor of Alan's passion for flying and the legacy he leaves of helping so many aspiring pilots, the University Flying Club and Mrs. Stone are in the initial stages of establishment of the 'Al Stone Foundation.' The intent of this foundation will be to inspire and assist future pilots as they attain their private pilot's license. For those wishing to remember Alan in a special way and wanting to make a gift to this foundation, please contact Arlyenna at stone422@hotmail.com for more information. A service of Brookings-Smith, Bangor.