BENNINGTON -- Funeral services for John R. Stone III were held from Sacred Heart-Saint Francis deSales Church, where the Mass of resurrection was offered by The Rev. Vincent Coppola, associate pastor.The organist and soloist was Donald McMahon. Hymns offered during the mass were “All Creatures of Our God and King,” “Sing to the Mountains,” “Lord by Your Cross and Resurrection” and “City of God.” The pall was placed on the casket by John’s children, Michael and Rebecca Stone. John’s granddaughter, Natallie Elizabeth Stone, placed a wooden cross on the casket. The scriptural readings were offered by Darlene Young. The offertory gifts were presented by Michael and Rebecca. A eulogy was offered by a family friend, Greg Bird. Serving as acolytes were Leonard Anzivino, Barth Vander Els, John Reed and Joseph Anton. Bearers were Brian J. Maroney, Kyle J. Maroney, Brian J. Maroney Jr., Keith Vandale, Ed Holden and Greg Bird. Serving as an honor guard were members of the Knights of Columbus, Daniel Amadon, Jay Burnell, Frank Lajeunesse and Andrew DiLiddo. The burial took place in the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery with Father Coppolla offering the committal prayers. John’s nephew, Christopher Atkins, read a poem and John’s niece, Michelle Stone, offered words of remembrance A reception followed the service at the Sacred Heart-Saint Francis deSales Parish Center. Prior to the mass, a prayer service was held at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home. A special prayer offered by Mary Holden was read at the service, the musical selection “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” was then played. Thursday evening Father James Preskensis, pastor of Sacred Heart-Saint Francis, offered the vigil prayers. The rosary was later offered by members of the Knights of Columbus Council 307 and The Rev. Michael Demasi. Mr. John R. Stone III, a resident of Imperial Avenue, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006, in Bennington. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home in Bennington.