John W. Tone, 92

CHESTERTOWN, Md. - John W. Tone, of Galena, died Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Chester River Manor, Chestertown. He was 92.

He was a very kind, patient and loving gentleman.

Mr. Tone was born June 19, 1915, in Indianapolis, son of the late Fred and Edith (Wallick) Tone.

He was raised in St. Clair, Mich., and was a 1939 graduate of Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

During World War II he conducted research at MIT for the U.S. Navy.

His engineering career began with American Machine & Foundry in New York City and later for Belock Instrument Corp.

Mr. Tone lived in Wilmington, Del., for 20 years.

While living in Wilmington, he was the manufacturing director for Ronson Corp., Newark, Del., and since the late 1960s was an engineering consultant.

Mr. Tone was an inventor and designer, holding numerous patents through his 70-year career.

He was a fine woodworker and craftsman, building boats and hydroplanes.

He lived in Shorewood, Galena, for the past 18 years.

Mr. Tone was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Elizabeth Evans Tone, in 1978; and a brother, Fred Tone.

He is survived by three sons, Jan Evans Tone of Galena, Gregory W. Tone and his wife Bonnie of Belton, S.C., and Christopher G. Tone and his wife Teri of Denver; two grandchildren, Eric Tone and his wife Pamela of McLean, Va., and Megan Tone of Belton, S.C.; and two great-grandchildren, Samantha E. Tone and Conner W. Tone.

Services will be private.

Arrangements by Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech.