Richard John Cone

  FITCHBURG CONE, RICHARD J. Richard J. Cone, age 60, passed away Friday, May 22, 2009 at the Hospice Care Center in Fitchburg, surrounded by family and friends.  He was born in Portage, March 1, 1949, the son of Clifford and Norma (Foster) Cone.  Richard was an R.N. for 27 years.  When his son and father died he thought he could help himself and others with the grieving process by accepting a position at the Hospice Care Center.  He did this for the last 21/2 years and he touched people with his empathy and kindness.  He was a medic in the Army during the Viet Nam era.  Richard loved sports and coached baseball and football for his son's teams.  He enjoyed fishing, especially with his friend Rick Stuessy.   Richard is survived by his wife Mary, nephews Gary, Ben, Scott, Chance and Cody, his niece Katie, several cousins and his favorite cousin Stuart.  He was preceded in death by his son Patrick, his brothers Paul and Delbert and his parents. A celebration of Richard's life will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, May 28 at MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 5202 Cottage Grove Road where friends may call from 9:00 am until time of service.  Reverend Jeff VandenHuvel will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to HospiceCare, Inc. Richard's family extends a special thank you to the UW Cancer Center's Clinic doctors and nurses, the Palliative Care Unit at the UW Hospital who provided Richard with exceptional care and kindness, Hospice Care Center Staff, The Ruby Team and their leaders Kelly and Lauren.  Chaplain Steve and Pastor Jeff, also the Long Term Support Unit of Dane County for there care and support for Richard and Mary during this difficult time. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.   Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Avenue