Carlton James Stone, known to all as “CJ,” 79, of Middle Road, Portsmouth, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Dec. 25, 2015.

He was the loving husband of Dorothy Anne (Park) Stone and they were married for 58 years. He was the son of the late Ashton and Gladys Stone. He was preceded in death by his sisters Gladys E. Stone and Ruth B. Dame.

CJ is survived by his brother Douglas A Stone of Cranston. He leaves behind his children, Stephen Stone and his wife Marcia, Kenneth Stone and his wife Lori, Cynthia Stone Silvia and her husband BJ, all of Portsmouth, Brian Stone and his wife Gina of West Haven, Conn.

CJ was the very proud and loving grandfather of Ashton (Jill), Kevin, Daniel, Dylan, Jessie, Eric and Cameron Stone. He was delighted to be the great grandfather of Delaney Stone. He also leaves behind his loving niece and nephews.

Carlton was born Sept. 2, 1936 in Newport and lived most of his life on Aquidneck Island. He graduated from Rogers High School in 1955. While at Rogers, he played baseball and so began his love of sports. Sports were a big part of CJ’s life, as he followed his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. His greatest joy was following his son and grandsons’ baseball teams and he traveled with them around the country as their biggest fan.

CJ enjoyed spending time at his family’s cabin, “Stoney Acres” in Alton, N.H. He was a passionate Red Sox and Patriots fan. He was a kind friend to all who knew him.

Carlton started as a printer’s apprentice at Franklyn Printing in Newport and later worked for several years for the Providence Journal. CJ is best known as CJ Stone — Landscape-Gardener. He began his landscaping business in 1979 and continued to work up until his brief illness this fall. CJ took extreme pride and care with his work and there was great mutual respect between CJ and his costumers.

There will be a graveside service for Carlton on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Churchyard, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth.

Donations in his memory may be made to Special Olympics RI for SONK, 370 George Washington Highway #1 Smithfield, RI 02917.