I. William Stone (1928-2020), known to friends and family as Bill, sat on AHRC New York City’s Board of Directors for nearly five decades in support of his son, artist Howie Stone. He was also a decorated Army officer, a well-respected accountant, and an integral part of his Bronx neighborhood for his entire life, including a 40+-year stint serving on Community Board 8.
Now, the intersection of Hudson Manor Terrace and West 237th Street in Riverdale will be forever memorialized as Bill Stone Way after a street naming ceremony on Sunday, May 7th, that was attended by his wife Dorothy Stone, daughter Linda Schwartz, and grandchildren Matthew and Rachel; AHRC NYC staff, leadership, Board Members, and Bronx residents; elected officials; and dozens of community members.
Bill’s Widespread Impact
“The location of this street is significant because it’s just steps away from where Bill and I lived for 60 years,” said Dorothy. “Bill met me at a Bear Mountain picnic, and it took him six months to track me down. Once he did, he courted me extensively, and after six weeks we were engaged. I guess it was a good idea, because it lasted for almost 65 years.”
Councilman Eric Dinowitz led the efforts to name the intersection after Bill. “Whether it was for disability justice or his army service, Bill just kept going and always asked how he could help the people around him,” Councilman Dinowitz said. “The turnout today of people from all different backgrounds shows his widespread impact.”
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Eric’s father, also praised Bill for his tireless advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities and Bronx residents in general.
“He’s the type of person who makes communities what they are,” the assemblyman said. “If we had Bill Stones on every block in the city, we’d be better off.”
“Bill went out of his way to support new members of Community Board 8,” said Laura Spalter, the board’s current chairperson. She detailed Bill’s longtime efforts for that body, including serving as chairperson, treasurer, and trusted mentor to all. “He had such civility, he was such a gentleman, and he was so humble. When he spoke, people listened.”
AHRC NYC staff members, leadership, & residents gathered to honor Bill Stone
A Firm Dedication to Disability Advocacy
Marco Damiani with Dorothy Stone & Linda Loeb Schwartz
Howie Stone was born with multiple disabilities in 1960 yet persevered through his physical challenges to become an accomplished artist and a beloved son, brother, and friend to many. Bill’s disability advocacy became a hallmark of his life and career and resulted in the establishment of numerous Bronx-based residences for people with disabilities, accessibility improvements at local synagogues and schools, and the dedication of the Howie Stone Adult Day Center in 2013. Additionally, Bill was instrumental in securing funding to establish ArTech at the Howie Stone Center, a place for artists of all abilities to create and express themselves through a variety of mediums.
Marco Damiani, CEO of AHRC NYC, said, “Bill saw, through the powerful presence of Dorothy and Howie, a pathway to help others. A pathway to do good in this world, a pathway to inspire, and a pathway to see the power of difference for all New Yorkers.”
AHRC NYC congratulates the Stone family on the dedication of Bill Stone Way. We are forever grateful for Bill’s lasting contributions to our organization, and we will strive to continue to honor his and Howie’s legacy.
