Obituary of Stone F Mercurio

Stone Mercurio passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 18^th, 2023.  Our beautiful boy was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin but most importantly a friend to all. Although his final moments were tragic, we choose to remember him for the inspiring and meaningful life he lived.

Stone. Where are we supposed to begin? There is not enough room on this paper for you to properly grasp the beautiful soul that is in that boy. There will never be the right words that could possibly encapsulate the massive presence Stone carried and the impact he made on everyone around him. There are not enough words in the world that could ever describe how blessed we are to have known him. Stone gave us so much joy and so many sweet memories that us and so many will cherish forever. Although this is impossible. It's our job to share his story and for you to remember it.

He was a charismatic, adventurous, beautiful soul. He was the type of person to do anything for anyone. Stone touched many lives, and molded the lives of the people around him for the better. Whenever anybody needed anything, he was the first to spring into action. Every adventure with Stone was a memory that will be permanently embedded in our hearts. Stone was always the first person to get people out of their comfort zone, endure a tough challenge or rigorous exploration of something big, little, or random that somehow found a way to be the most amazing moments. You didn't have to be around him all the time, months could go by but everything would always pick back up where it left off. He was still the same warm, comforting, glowing Stone. He taught so many core values that we need to carry into the rest of our lives for him.

He was always the first person to give a helping hand. He put others before himself. Setting up or packing up from an event first guy to get there last guy to leave. If his grandparents, Mimi and Papi, or Mom and Dad needed absolutely anything he was up for the job. Big or small. Easy or tough. If his grandparents or neighbors needed yard work, he did it. No questions asked.

Stone was always there as a shoulder to lean on no matter what he was going through on his own. Always offering a shoulder to cry on to anyone whether it was his mother, his father, his sister, his best friends, or anyone who needed it. It didn't matter who you were, Stone had your back no matter what. Stone was strong for us, for all of us.

Stone was brave. He didn't have a fear in the world. If he wasn't backflipping off of the palisades with his best friends, he was free climbing the water tower behind Griffiss on his lunch break. He was always up for an adventure. Constantly making memories with the ones he loved. Experiencing every possible moment he could to the fullest. Even in a small town he made it feel huge with endless opportunities. Every season, Stone would do anything and everything. He loved the start of school and being able to spend time with his peers. Stone was active until the street lights turned on every day. Every winter Stone would be out shredding the hills on his snowboard, whether it was with his friends or with his family. Stone was always the first to hit the biggest jumps and get the biggest air. He leads those around him by example. Whenever his father or any of his friends were too afraid to take that step. He would always be the first to show you that you don’t have to be afraid. Every summer and spring, you would see stone skating in the city with his friends. I’m sure you have seen his group cruising around town, whether it was on skateboards, on bikes, or by foot. There was never a dull moment.

There is no doubt that he developed and learned all of these qualities from his parents. Christian and Andrea, second to Stone, are the most adventurous human beings we know. Our families core memories with Stone involved hiking 10 miles in a day, no matter the season. Whether it was a nice sunny and breezy day or in the midst of a rigorous winter storm. He learned to enjoy every moment because of them and because of those moments we shared. Now, we must keep experiencing life and real living for him and because of him and the lessons he taught us.

Stone was the most genuine person. He always stood out in a crowd. He always said be yourself, don't worry about what other people think of him. He was unapologetically himself and inspired others to do the same. Whether it was his style and the clothes he wore, or his unique outlook on life that helped to open our minds to the world around us. Stone’s care free adventurous personality inspired all of us to live life the way he would.  Only dude who could rock a flat brim and a white tuxedo.

He taught us to be honest. Even when you did not want to hear it. He told you what you needed to hear. If you were being stupid he would tell you that you were being stupid. Giving a reality check. Whether knowingly or unknowingly he pushed everyone around him to be the absolute best versions of themselves. Stone was honest with himself too and I think that's what made him the genuine and kind person that he was.

Stone taught us the importance of loyalty. Stone stuck with you through the good, the bad, the ugly and the scary.

How many people do you know that could solve a rubix cube in under a minute? Stone could. It always seemed like stone was doing the impossible. All of us were constantly striving to be a fraction of how ambitious and brilliant he was. Nothing externally was ever “Too hard” for stone. He was not only book smart excelling in every aspect of his academics. But he also was determined in sports, breaking records in diving and showing up on the soccer field not only for himself but for the team and all of the younger players who admired him. He was intrigued by problems and was determined to solve all things no matter what aspect of his life they came from or if they even needed to be solved. He was very hands on and the first to approach all situations. He was always so naturally talented.

He loved Rome more than anything. We would always tease him for it, but he said it was the best possible place to grow up and he loved the community. “We biked the entirety of the city but there was ALWAYS more to explore”. Everything and anything he needed was just a bike ride away.  Cherish and celebrate Rome the way he did because you're lucky to live in such a beautiful city.

Stone would want us to express to you how much mental health matters. How important it is to be there for your friends and your family. To treat everyone the way he did, with kindness.

The Mercurio family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rome Community Foundation, 301 North Washington Street, Rome, N.Y. 13440, to start a skate park for kids like Stone in the area.

Calling hours will be held Monday, April 24^th, 2023, from 4pm to 7pm at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd. Rome. A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 11:00am at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.