Ipswich - Robert M. Stone, 66, of County Road, Ipswich, died Tuesday, February 1, 2022, in the Beverly Hospital following his sudden illness.

Bob was born in Ipswich on August 20, 1955, one of the two children of the late Norman F. and Barbara M. (Thompson) Stone. He was raised in Ipswich and was a 1974 graduate of Ipswich High School. Bob was a valued member of the community and a longstanding employee of the Town of Ipswich. For many years he was employed locally by E&S Machine and Mike & Sons Oil Service before taking full time employment in the spring 1987 as an oiler for the Electric Light Department. He worked and was promoted through the ranks in several departments including the Electric Light and Wastewater Departments. He retired in April 2007 as Assistant Power Plant Superintendent after 20 years of full-time service. For many of these years he served with the Ipswich Fire Department as a call fireman. In retirement, and until his passing, Bob continued to serve the town part-time as a technician in the IT Department.

Bob always had a steadfast and cheerful presence in the town hall. His fellow employees were all grateful to have known and to have worked with him throughout the years.

Bob was a faithful and active member of the First Congregational Church of Hamilton.

He is survived by his five aunts, Marlene Shannon of Ipswich, Charlotte Teshko of S. Hamilton, Grace Cullen of Amesbury, Patricia Simons of N. Hampton, NH, and Ruth Butman of Ipswich; several cousins and many many friends. He was the brother of the late Norman F. "Schultz" Stone Jr., formerly of Ipswich.

His funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 9 at 11 a.m. in the First Congregational Church of Hamilton, 624 Bay Road, Hamilton. Family and friends vaccinated wearing facial masks will be cordially invited. Interment in the New Highland Cemetery, Ipswich will follow. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home of Ipswich. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the American Heart Association www.heart.org To send a condolence please visit www.whittier-porter.com.