Welcome to the memorial page for
Thomas Stone
January 25, 1950 ~ April 4, 2015 (age 65)Share using:
Thomas Abel Stone
1950 - 2015
Thomas Abel Stone, age 65, beloved husband of Fiona Varker of
Stratford, CT, passed away April 4, 2015 in his home. Mr. Stone was born
in Biloxi, MS, the son of the late Jack Gillis and Josephine Gillis
Armagost. He was an executive chef, working at various restaurants
including Gregory's in Fairfield, CT, Theo's in Santa Cruz CA, White
Hart Inn in Salisbury, CT and the Carlyle in N.Y.C, NY. Most recently
Mr. Stone was executive chef for Mt. Sinai Hospital in Queens, NY.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his brother Rod Gillis; his sisters Patricia Lard and Jennifer (Cai) Gillis and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Clark Gillis.
An avid ballroom dancer, Mr. Stone enjoyed competing and performing with his wife, Fiona Varker. With a life-long passion for food, many enjoyed his three star chef skills at both restaurants and catered functions.
Mr. Stone attended University of Alabama and enjoyed following the success of the Crimson Tide. Mr. Stone was an active member of the Trumbull Grace Episcopal Church community, participating in the choir and many other church activities. Chef, artist, poet, gardener and musician, Tom Stone touched many and will be deeply missed by family and friends.
A memorial service with reception to follow will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday May 2nd at Grace Episcopal Church, Trumbull, CT. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church 5958 Main St. Trumbull, CT 06611 (Please note on envelope or check donation in Memory of Tom Stone) or Center for Family Justice 753 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. In addition, donations of food items for St John's Food Bank will be collected at the memorial service. Arrangements in care of the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home 399 White Plains Rd. Trumbull, CT 06611.
Message from Leticia Croke
May 2, 2015
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Fiona and family.
May God rest his soul in peace, and give strength to his family to bear this immense loss.
Message from Carolyn Mate
May 2, 2015
Tom was a very kind man, with a wry sense of humor that always caused us to chuckle for a few days after a particularly humorous comment. We appreciated his friendship and always enjoyed our conversations with him over the years at the dance studio. We will miss him and always have fond memories of time spent in his company. He was a true gentleman. Our heartfelt condolences to Fiona and the rest of his family. He truly was one of those rare, genuine people that you don't have the pleasure of meeting to often. Our prayers are with him.
Message from Richard and Ninna saunders
May 1, 2015
Dear Fiona and Family, Tom and Fiona were wonderful dancing partners!Tom catered many parties at Ballroom Elegance which we enjoyed.His gourmet cheeses and variations of delicious food.Tom was a wonderful and kind man,wish we could have known him longer! Our sincere condolences to Fiona! From Richard and Ninna Saunders
Message from Etan and Greta Hamm
April 29, 2015
We met Tom in the mid 70's when he walked into our cafe in Capitola, California looking for a job. Somehow he convinced us he could cook and that began a long association both in the restaurant and personally. After he had exhausted his talents in our cafe, he and Etan collaborated to build a small dinner house to showcase his real abilities. There he blossomed as a chef and put Theo's on the map as a destination dining establishment on the central coast. A few years later Tom became part of our family when he married Etan's cousin, Joan. The couple later moved back east, but unfortunately Joan developed breast cancer. Tom was there during her long ordeal and patiently and lovingly cared for her until her death.
In Santa Cruz Tom mentored many aspiring chefs and left many life long friends. We will remember him always with great affection. Our sincere condolences to Fiona who restored Tom and gave him many years of joy.
Message from Nicole
April 27, 2015
I am truly sorry for your lost. During this most difficult time may God's word prove to be a source of hope and comfort for you. Please remember that God invites you to... throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 9:10, 83:18.
I have found comforting articles and videos on www.jw.org to help me cope with the loss of a loved one and I hope you will as well.
Message from Stephen Sturm
April 16, 2015
My condolences to Tom's family, his loving and dedicated wife Fiona, and all those who knew him and loved him.
I first met Tom in Santa Cruz, California in the late 70's when he was first establishng himself as a gourmet chef in the opening of a local world class restaurant. I was always enamored by his patience, focus, culinary talent and rye humor. Our friendship continued over the years even though we were separated often by miles. But we always stayed connected in spirit with similar interest sin the food and wine industries.
His talents included Culinary Arts, Food History, Music, plus all of the others already noted by his beloved friends.
Tom was gentle on the outside, but tough and resilient to his core. He was dealt more than his share of challenges in life and always came back stronger than ever. And he always had an optimism about life that was infectious to others around him.
He lived a full life for a man of his age and left all of us way too soon. The last time I spoke with him, he was already planning on what he was going to do when he was on his feet again.
I'm going to miss Tom immensely on many levels. But, in his passing, his spirit will live on in all of us and hopefully teach us something about our own character and how to be better human beings. Rest in Peace, Tom, my dear friend...
Stephen Sturm Soquel, California
Message from Julius Cernansky
April 16, 2015
Tom and I worked together during every MSQ Health Fairs. This was a time of great joy helping the Queens community. You will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to Tom's family.
Message from Nicole Robertson
April 15, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family on the passing of Mr. Tom Stone I've had the pleasure of working with him at Mount Sinai Queens; he was a very knowledgeable and respectful person. May his soul RIP
Message from Allison Amores
April 15, 2015
I worked very closely with Tom at Mount Sinai Queens and we truely miss him here every day. Watching Tom cook was inspiring, he had such a passion for the things he loved in life. This place is not the same without him. My condolences to Tom's family.
Message from Stephen Biscotti
April 15, 2015
I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Mount Sinai Queens. We both shared many stories with each other and I truly enjoyed those conversations. I also had the great pleasure of eating many a meal prepared by Tom. Tom was a good friend and I will miss him. You will be missed by many and will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to Fiona and Tom's family.
Message from Jen Taveras
April 15, 2015
My heart is saddened to hear about Tom's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens and will cherish all the great memories, he was truly a good person!. My deepest condolences to Fiona and Tom's Family. May he rest in peace..
Message from Anthony Pendon
April 14, 2015
Our deepest condolences to Tom's Family. Our hearts and prayers goes to the family. May you rest heavenly in God's kingdom. You will be truly missed my friend
Message from Lily Kanjanapatee
April 14, 2015
With deepest condolences to Tom's family and loved ones at this time of sadness. May light perpetual shine upon thee in heaven. You will be missed Tom.
Message from Shelly Felder
April 14, 2015
My sympathy to Tom's family. Tom and I planned many an event together at Mount Sinai Queens. He was a creative chef with great ideas. He will be remembered.
Message from Barbara Winter
April 14, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Tom's wife and family. I worked with Tom Stone at Mount Sinai Queens for many years and he attended the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. He was a sweet, gracious and respectful man who I admired. I loved to watch Tom and his wife dance at hospital functions. He definitely enjoyed life. He has been and will continue to be missed by his friends and colleagues at Mount Sinai Queens. My he rest in peace!
Barbara Winter
Message from Sal Morello
April 14, 2015
Tom you were a good friend and most of all a good person. Enjoyed our time together at MSQ.
Message from Bess Obercoe
April 14, 2015
During the toughest time in his life, Tom Stone remained full of grace. He was the perfect example of how to live.
Message from Chet Ostrowski
April 13, 2015
My deepest condolences to Fiona and Tom's family. He was a good man, a great chef and an all around good person. He will truly be missed by his family at Mount Sinai Queens. Rest in Peace Tom!
In addition to his wife he is survived by his brother Rod Gillis; his sisters Patricia Lard and Jennifer (Cai) Gillis and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Clark Gillis.
An avid ballroom dancer, Mr. Stone enjoyed competing and performing with his wife, Fiona Varker. With a life-long passion for food, many enjoyed his three star chef skills at both restaurants and catered functions.
Mr. Stone attended University of Alabama and enjoyed following the success of the Crimson Tide. Mr. Stone was an active member of the Trumbull Grace Episcopal Church community, participating in the choir and many other church activities. Chef, artist, poet, gardener and musician, Tom Stone touched many and will be deeply missed by family and friends.
A memorial service with reception to follow will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday May 2nd at Grace Episcopal Church, Trumbull, CT. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church 5958 Main St. Trumbull, CT 06611 (Please note on envelope or check donation in Memory of Tom Stone) or Center for Family Justice 753 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. In addition, donations of food items for St John's Food Bank will be collected at the memorial service. Arrangements in care of the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home 399 White Plains Rd. Trumbull, CT 06611.
Condolences & Tributes
Message from Leticia Croke
May 2, 2015
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Fiona and family.
May God rest his soul in peace, and give strength to his family to bear this immense loss.
Message from Carolyn Mate
May 2, 2015
Tom was a very kind man, with a wry sense of humor that always caused us to chuckle for a few days after a particularly humorous comment. We appreciated his friendship and always enjoyed our conversations with him over the years at the dance studio. We will miss him and always have fond memories of time spent in his company. He was a true gentleman. Our heartfelt condolences to Fiona and the rest of his family. He truly was one of those rare, genuine people that you don't have the pleasure of meeting to often. Our prayers are with him.
Message from Richard and Ninna saunders
May 1, 2015
Dear Fiona and Family, Tom and Fiona were wonderful dancing partners!Tom catered many parties at Ballroom Elegance which we enjoyed.His gourmet cheeses and variations of delicious food.Tom was a wonderful and kind man,wish we could have known him longer! Our sincere condolences to Fiona! From Richard and Ninna Saunders
Message from Etan and Greta Hamm
April 29, 2015
We met Tom in the mid 70's when he walked into our cafe in Capitola, California looking for a job. Somehow he convinced us he could cook and that began a long association both in the restaurant and personally. After he had exhausted his talents in our cafe, he and Etan collaborated to build a small dinner house to showcase his real abilities. There he blossomed as a chef and put Theo's on the map as a destination dining establishment on the central coast. A few years later Tom became part of our family when he married Etan's cousin, Joan. The couple later moved back east, but unfortunately Joan developed breast cancer. Tom was there during her long ordeal and patiently and lovingly cared for her until her death.
In Santa Cruz Tom mentored many aspiring chefs and left many life long friends. We will remember him always with great affection. Our sincere condolences to Fiona who restored Tom and gave him many years of joy.
Message from Nicole
April 27, 2015
I am truly sorry for your lost. During this most difficult time may God's word prove to be a source of hope and comfort for you. Please remember that God invites you to... throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 9:10, 83:18.
I have found comforting articles and videos on www.jw.org to help me cope with the loss of a loved one and I hope you will as well.
Message from Stephen Sturm
April 16, 2015
My condolences to Tom's family, his loving and dedicated wife Fiona, and all those who knew him and loved him.
I first met Tom in Santa Cruz, California in the late 70's when he was first establishng himself as a gourmet chef in the opening of a local world class restaurant. I was always enamored by his patience, focus, culinary talent and rye humor. Our friendship continued over the years even though we were separated often by miles. But we always stayed connected in spirit with similar interest sin the food and wine industries.
His talents included Culinary Arts, Food History, Music, plus all of the others already noted by his beloved friends.
Tom was gentle on the outside, but tough and resilient to his core. He was dealt more than his share of challenges in life and always came back stronger than ever. And he always had an optimism about life that was infectious to others around him.
He lived a full life for a man of his age and left all of us way too soon. The last time I spoke with him, he was already planning on what he was going to do when he was on his feet again.
I'm going to miss Tom immensely on many levels. But, in his passing, his spirit will live on in all of us and hopefully teach us something about our own character and how to be better human beings. Rest in Peace, Tom, my dear friend...
Stephen Sturm Soquel, California
Message from Julius Cernansky
April 16, 2015
Tom and I worked together during every MSQ Health Fairs. This was a time of great joy helping the Queens community. You will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to Tom's family.
Message from Nicole Robertson
April 15, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family on the passing of Mr. Tom Stone I've had the pleasure of working with him at Mount Sinai Queens; he was a very knowledgeable and respectful person. May his soul RIP
Message from Allison Amores
April 15, 2015
I worked very closely with Tom at Mount Sinai Queens and we truely miss him here every day. Watching Tom cook was inspiring, he had such a passion for the things he loved in life. This place is not the same without him. My condolences to Tom's family.
Message from Stephen Biscotti
April 15, 2015
I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Mount Sinai Queens. We both shared many stories with each other and I truly enjoyed those conversations. I also had the great pleasure of eating many a meal prepared by Tom. Tom was a good friend and I will miss him. You will be missed by many and will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to Fiona and Tom's family.
Message from Jen Taveras
April 15, 2015
My heart is saddened to hear about Tom's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens and will cherish all the great memories, he was truly a good person!. My deepest condolences to Fiona and Tom's Family. May he rest in peace..
Message from Anthony Pendon
April 14, 2015
Our deepest condolences to Tom's Family. Our hearts and prayers goes to the family. May you rest heavenly in God's kingdom. You will be truly missed my friend
Message from Lily Kanjanapatee
April 14, 2015
With deepest condolences to Tom's family and loved ones at this time of sadness. May light perpetual shine upon thee in heaven. You will be missed Tom.
Message from Shelly Felder
April 14, 2015
My sympathy to Tom's family. Tom and I planned many an event together at Mount Sinai Queens. He was a creative chef with great ideas. He will be remembered.
Message from Barbara Winter
April 14, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Tom's wife and family. I worked with Tom Stone at Mount Sinai Queens for many years and he attended the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. He was a sweet, gracious and respectful man who I admired. I loved to watch Tom and his wife dance at hospital functions. He definitely enjoyed life. He has been and will continue to be missed by his friends and colleagues at Mount Sinai Queens. My he rest in peace!
Barbara Winter
Message from Sal Morello
April 14, 2015
Tom you were a good friend and most of all a good person. Enjoyed our time together at MSQ.
Message from Bess Obercoe
April 14, 2015
During the toughest time in his life, Tom Stone remained full of grace. He was the perfect example of how to live.
Message from Chet Ostrowski
April 13, 2015
My deepest condolences to Fiona and Tom's family. He was a good man, a great chef and an all around good person. He will truly be missed by his family at Mount Sinai Queens. Rest in Peace Tom!
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