Remembering Dr. Herman Stone: 1924-2023

Dr. Herman Stone passed away February 9, 2023, and his funeral took place February 12 at Temple Beth Zion. He was the husband of the late Margaret “Peggy” Stone. Devoted father of Elaine Higgins, Barbara (Bob) Reden, Pamela (Mark Dudley) Stone, MD, Robert (Diane Christensen) Stone, Richard (Jutta Helm) Stone, and Susan Stone. Loving grandfather of 12 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Brother of the late Henry & Joan Stone. The reflections below come from the Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo, his son Robert Stone and his grandson Timothy Higgins

Holocaust Resource Center (HRC)

We at the HRC have lost a brilliant man and one of our devoted members of our Speakers Bureau. Herman was an integral part of our Speakers Bureau, speaking to thousands of students and community members throughout Western New York. Last spring, Herman spoke to the Buffalo Community Religious School saying, “Speaking to children is more important than ever and it is up to this generation, just like others before them, to make sure this never happens again.” In his many presentations, Dr. Stone stated, “My work at the HRC has been the most satisfying and inspiring of my whole career!” The HRC is deeply dedicated to honoring Herman’s precious memory by sharing his legacy and continuing his selfless work to help ensure that “never again” becomes a reality. May Dr. Herman Stone’s memory be for a blessing.

Robert Stone

Dad lived a remarkable life. He was born in Munich, Germany in 1924, lived through the rise of Nazis, the horrors of Kristallnacht and the Nuremberg laws which stripped Jews of property, status, and education. My dad as a young boy was somewhat permitted to continue his education only because his father, Bernard, was a veteran of WWI. Even so, he did so without any opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities since those were controlled by the Nazis. His experience in these dark years, as you might expect, was formative in his life and is embedded deep in the roots of our family’s DNA. More-so my dad knew that future generations needed to understand that what happened in Germany can happen again, and he made it a lifelong mission to educate, not only the family, but to share his experience with the community. Through the help of the Holocaust Research Center, dad was a frequent speaker at local schools and community groups.

With much luck, and the generosity of a complete stranger from New York City named Mr. Racoosin who sponsored them, the immediate family escaped Germany in late 1939 and traveled to the United States. I asked dad one time why the family chose to settle in Buffalo. The answer was that they befriended some people on the boat ride from England who were coming to Buffalo, and they thought it would be nice to know some people here.

I started by saying my father lived a remarkable life. He served as President of the Beth Israel congregation in Hazleton, PA. two separate times. In 2006, he was “man of the Year” for outstanding service here at Temple Beth Zion and he was always active in the Temple Brotherhoods as we moved around the country.

He graduated from Bethany College and holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Ohio State University. “The” Ohio State is also where he met the love of his life and our mom, Peggy Sluizer.

He became a citizen of the United States in 1945 while serving in the US Army. He was a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was active in the community supporting the Democratic Party, the Police Auxillary, PTA and the Boys and Girls Scouts.

His work career started in the mid-1950s with Allied Chemical company here in Buffalo, and then he worked for Malden Mills and General Foam Corporation, as well as doing consulting work well into his 70s.

He is listed in the Hall of Fame of the Polyurethane Foam Association for his leadership in “almost every aspect” of the flexible polyurethane foam industry, with credit for pioneering much of the industry’s flammability research. He holds 24 patents and is credited as the author of 70 publications/presentations.

Growing up I never really understood how significant my dad’s scientific contributions were but, during a chance encounter on a business trip, I happened to sit next to a stranger on an 8-hour flight where he spoke in awe of my father’s career. Later, in sharing what I had learned with my dad, his response was telling of the humble man he was. He told me he was lucky to grow up in an age of discovery and was quick to share his credit with those he worked with.

Dad was a devoted husband to Peggy (Margaret Sluizer Stone) who passed away in 2019 after 69 years of marriage. These two were meant for each other with personalities that both complemented and supplemented each other. They provided a family foundation for me and my 5 siblings that nourished