July 11, 1947-October 24, 2025

Note from his wife, Nadean Stone

On October 24, 2025, William (Bill) Stone, my husband of 36 years passed in Burlington VT, the city where he was born. He was 78. Bill’s grandfather and father Carroll Stone both passed at the age of 56 from kidney disease, so we knew early in our relationship that we would face this horrible disease at some stage during our marriage. We had 22 more wonderful years together than anticipated. With a healthy diet, exercise and lifestyle, Bill was able to delay progress of the disease for many years and started peritoneal dialysis PD in October 2022, at the age of 75, three years before his passing.

Bill was an amazing man. He embraced my son Andrew as his own. Andrew and I called him MacGyver as he could fix anything. Bill was the first born, a natural leader and we all followed him. He was a Boy Scout reaching God and Country designation.

He was among the first to buy a Tesla in 2014. It was his prized possession. Bill was an integral part of the founding of the Vermont Kidney Association. He became involved when his father Carroll Stone was a patient of Dr. Carl Runge in the late 60’s. Dr. Runge asked Bill to become involved in setting up the foundation and Bill along with Art Kunan and many others worked to establish this important organization.

They raised funds annually with their Las Vegas Casino night and Bill started a newsletter called the VKA Voice, The Vermont Kidney Association Voice. Bill helped in many other ways as well. He did not seek any recognition for his efforts.

Bill was my rock. He made me a better person. I was privileged and honored to have known him.

His brain, eyes and tissue samples were donated as he wished.

July 6, 1952 - November 30, 2021

Joseph Paul Cullen, 69, died unexpectedly on November 30, 2021 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. Joe was born on July 6, 1952 in Cambridge, MA, the son of Paul an Madeline (Heath) Cullen. He graduated from Lowell Technological Institute with a degree in Electrical Engineering. On May 24, 1975 he married Mary Elizabeth Ryan in St. Peter's Catholic Church in Vergennes. He had worked for IBM for 20 years as a Project Manager and later for Hunt Construction Group, as a project manager. He was instrumental in building Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. Joe and Liz enjoyed spending time at their camps in Walden, VT, and "Red Light" on Little Sebago Lake in Windham, Maine. He also loved woodworking and hunting and fishing.

May 18, 1962 - February 6th, 2024

James “Jamie” Lee Bissonette passed away on February 6, 2024, as the musical group Judas Priest played his favorite song in his ear, with his loving family and close friends by his side. Jamie was born on May 18, 1962, to Charles and Corrine Bissonette.

Jamie was a lifelong Shelburne resident and graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School, where he established many enduring friendships. He was a loyal Boston sports fan and idolized Larry Bird. In 1995, he opened the Dutch Mill Family Restaurant with his family; it continues to this day as the Dutch Mill Diner.

His larger-than-life personality was best demonstrated by his love of helping others under any circumstances. His spirit never waned, and he was very courageous during the many health battles that he encountered during the past decade. As Jamie said positively to many, “I just keep chugging along.”