Junius B. Stone III

Junius (Jay) Burrows Stone III

Baldwinsville – Jay Stone, age 81, peacefully entered eternal rest at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse on October 9, 2024. Jay was born on July 13,1943 in Syracuse, NY to Junius Burrows Stone and Hazel Adeline Hershman Stone. A graduate of Nottingham High School, Jay attended Ohio University and graduated in 1964 with dual degrees in pre-med and theatre arts with an emphasis on acting and directing. He was a member of the Ohio University, College of Fine Arts School of Theatre’s Footlighter Honor Club.

                  With a pre-med degree in his hand, Jay’s intentions were to become a doctor, but while in Cleveland, a chance meeting with a World-famous Choreographer changed the direction of this young man’s professional career. Jay was attending a Broadway musical at the Cleveland Playhouse. As he stood in the rear of the theatre, starry-eyed Jay recognized Bob Fosse, the famous Broadway Choreographer, and approached him asking, “Aren’t you Bob Fosse?” Fosse was somewhat surprised that a young man would have recognized him outside of New York City. Jay and Fosse chatted for a while and at one point in their conversation, Fosse asked Jay, “You seem to be more interested in theatre than medicine, why don’t you focus on a career in theatre?” After that very meaningful meeting with a theatre great, Jay recognized his love of theatre and he went into the magical world of theatre, dance, and music, returning to Syracuse where he was close to home and family.

                  Jay began his professional performing career as a dancer in “La Ronde” at Syracuse Stage under the direction of Arthur Storch, followed by national tours of “Funny Girl” and “No, No Nanette,” a residency with Carousel Dinner Theatre of Ohio; and a tour with Walt Disney Productions as a lead dancer portraying the role of the Disney character Goofy.

Jay studied voice at Syracuse University with Ruth Pinnell and Daniel Walsh. He began piano studies with Althea A. Whiteside and continued with George Mulfinger at Syracuse University (Mulfinger was a student of Emil von Sauer a protégé of Franz Lizst). Jay was a soloist at Elmwood Presbyterian Church (now closed), Atonement Lutheran Church in Syracuse, St. Paul’s Cathedral in Syracuse and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Liverpool where, until his death, Jay was an active member of the church choir.                 

Jay enjoyed the full musical theatre experience having studied ballet as a scholarship student at the Metropolitan School of Ballet. He danced with the Syracuse City Ballet for 10 years and was a member of Dance Masters of America. Jay also studied tap and jazz, completing his well-rounded dance training. With his dance experience, he served as a circuit judge for dance competitions as well as the Miss America Pageant.

                  It was Jay’s true love of the American Theatre that encompassed Jay’s joy in life. He was a wealth of theatre knowledge. Give Jay the name of a play or musical and Jay would quote lines from the production or remind you of who starred in that production on Broadway. Jay’s on-stage appearances in a variety of roles were seen at Ohio Valley Summer Theatre, the Lake Placid Club, Salt City Playhouse, Limestone Theater, Syracuse Little Theater, Ohio University, DePauw University, Western Reserve University, Metro Musicals, Cortland Repertory Theatre, Syracuse Musical Theater, Syracuse Stage, Syracuse Opera and Theatre ‘90. From playing the roles of Richard Henry Lee in the Broadway Musical “1776” to playing Bill Calhoun in “Kiss Me Kate,” Jay was at his happiest and best.                 

Jay also ventured into radio and television commercials, lending his booming voice to commercial voice-overs and on-camera appearances.

During the holiday season local audiences will remember Jay Stone portraying Santa in the “Adventures of Rudolph.” As the enchantment of Christmas spread throughout the theatre, Jay became “Santa,” never revealing his true identity to the children. Jay was the heart and soul of the production for 35 years. He was very protective of the children, wanting to preserve the magic of Christmas and belief, that Santa Claus returns to Syracuse every year to spread tidings of great joy.

Jay is survived by his love, Sally A. Waite Dayger. They shared their lives in Baldwinsville for twelve years. Jay and Sally spent their evenings ushering at various theatres and were mainstays in the greater Syracuse area theatre scene. Jay Stone’s curtain has come down for the very last time.                 

Cremation has been arranged through Gates Funeral Home, Baldwinsville. Calling Hours will take place on Saturday, November 2nd from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Liverpool. Memorial Service to follow. In lieu of flowers, Sally kindly requests memorial contributions be made in Jay’s name (Junius “Jay” Burrows Stone III) to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 210 Hazel Street Liverpool, or the Landmark Theatre 362 S. Salina Street, Syracuse.

Jay Stone now sings in perpetuity with the heavenly choir of angels.

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