Bucksport Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Coach
The town of Bucksport, Maine, is grieving the passing of Adrian “Buddy” Stone, who died on June 22 at the age of 52. Stone, who wore many hats as a high school football coach, educator, paramedic and firefighter, was found dead at his home after a brief illness.
Friends, colleagues and former players recall a man who was as comfortable on the sidelines as he was in the emergency room, always ready to lend a hand or a word of encouragement.
A Career Defined by Service
Over decades, Stone served as a coach with the Golden Bucks, where he shaped the lives of dozens of teenagers, while also teaching in the classroom and responding to calls as a paramedic and firefighter. His versatility made him a pillar of the community, a figure who could be called upon in the gym, the school hallway or the ambulance.
Former players speak of his mentorship that extended beyond football strategy. Wyatt Weaver, a 2025 offensive and defensive lineman, described Stone as a mentor who taught life lessons, while junior running back Nick DeBeck called him “one of the most inspirational and respectable coaches I’ve ever had.”
A Final Request
In lieu of flowers, Stone’s family asked that donations be made to the Bucksport Quarterback Club, a nonprofit that supports the school’s football program. The request reflects the same spirit of giving that defined his career, channeling community support into a cause that continues to benefit young athletes.
The outpouring of tributes underscores the deep impact Stone had on a generation of students and first responders, a legacy that will endure in the town’s schools, its emergency services and its football fields.