John E. Stewart
December 28, 1949 - February 5, 2023
John E. Stewart, age 73, of Seaford, DE, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023.
Born in Wilmington, DE on December 28, 1949, he was the son of the late Edward and Beatrice (Duncan) Stewart. John worked for New Castle County in emergency dispatch until his retirement.
Dedicated to helping others, John was a life member of the Holloway Terrace Fire Company. During the holiday season, he enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus. John could often be found cheering on his beloved Baltimore Orioles or watching WWE Wrestling. He loved going to yard sales to search for a new treasure to take home. Above all, John cherished spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra M. Stewart. He is survived by his son, Christopher Stewart (JoAnn) of Seaford; and grandchild, Clover L. Stewart of Seaford.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 10:30 am on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Holloway Terrace Fire Company, 700 West Avenue, PO Box 684, New Castle, DE 19720.
Dad may have seemed like a boring man from the outside, but he truly liked to have fun.
Dad, you had so many people that thought highly of you, from Holloway Terrace Fire Department to being a 911 Dispatcher. You brought a lot of laughs along the way! Some examples of that, but there are too many to list: playing Cupid for the Firehouse Banquet (full cupid balloons and a diaper) I wish I could have seen that, playing Santa, hearing stories of you “clowning” down the road (September of 1973 when Holloway Terrace won the Governor’s cup).
Besides doing things for others, you were a great family man. In fact, the best! Do you remember the time we went to Universal Studios? We rode the Popeye ride that you were laughing so hard you were crying! In fact, the guy let you ride again. Or riding the E.T. ride, it lifted off the ground and you said a few choice words. Bottom line you were a family MAN!
When you weren’t laughing or clowning around you were also a mentor and friend. You have been difficult at times, but then again who isn’t? I can see how much you meant to others, for example: “John always had our back”, “John was one of the good guys”, “my best friend”, “best man in my wedding”, “good man”, and many others
Dad, I appreciate all the long talks and your support over the years. I thank you for providing for me, even working two jobs to allow me to attend a better school and my scouting activities. I want to thank you for driving two hours after you worked all night to support me with honor roll breakfast. I love the time we spent watching the O’s or the Shorebirds. Even better when we went to Atlanta to watch the Braves, we had to get the $10.00 cheeseburger. Man, that was good!
You aren’t just an inspiration to me but also to Clover. Clover wrote you a tear-jerking message that I would love to share with you “Last night was probably the worst night of my life. Losing you made me rethink everything. I miss you so much! You’ll never understand how much you mean to me and brought me so much joy seeing you. I was there till the last-minute gramps; it’s going to be rough. It has been rough. It’s hard going to sleep and waking up. I just wish we could talk and have one good laugh. I love you and always will. Pita you’re a strong man, a loving man, I miss you”.
Dad, I tried my best to make you proud. I tried my best to care for you. If I had to do it again I would. I have no regrets. I am sorry for any time I got snippy. I am sorry if I made the wrong decision. I just want you to know you are free now! No more pain, no more medicine, no more hurt. You are home with my mother (Sandra) and your parents (Edward and Beatrice).
Dad as I close there is a poem I want to share. By the way you know it mom used it;
“I’M FREE”
Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of day
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,
Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch
If my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Sharon Reusch
Christopher, JoAnn, clover. So sorry for your loss. My children have fond memories of uncle john
Tyson Finn
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Rest well knowing your Dad is at peace.
Randy Roberts
John was a good, good man. He had the biggest and kindest heart and was a great friend for so many years. When my girls were little, I would take them to the firehouse on Saturdays to see “Big John”. John was an honest man and you always knew where you stood with him. Enjoyed going to many a firehouse breakfast and dinner in New Castle and Sussex County with John. Going to miss him.
Pam Lemieux
Christopher I am so sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful and fun memories with Uncle John growing up. I know he meant the world to you. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Freddie & Lysa Reid
I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers. If you need me to do anything please don’t hesitate let me know. Love y’all so much!!!
Billie Salisbury
Chris, what a loving tribute to your Dad. Reading about the type of man he was makes me see why you are who you are. His kindness, joy, and love are evident in the wonderful son he raised. Hugs my friend.
John McKinney
John was such a kind person to my mother and father, which he knew his entire life. I will always have fond memories of John Stewart, RIP.
Christopher
Love you Dad! Thank you! I am honored and proud to call you my dad.
EOW 2/5/23 @ 1837 HOURS
Carol logan
John was a good man had alots of laughs with him when I was a junior at Holloway Terrace company. An he a long time friend of my family
God bless you John an ur family
Donna Clark
Chris and family,
Heartfelt condolences to all of you. After reading your beautiful words about John, I know his light will be in your heart forever. He was a sweet guy and I enjoyed working with him for many years. Now he will transfer up to the Fireboard guys awaiting his arrival.
Angie Townsend
Chris, Clover, & JoAnn,
My sincere condolences in the loss of your dear father/grandfather. I know you guys loved him dearly. He is no longer in pain. May God keep you all strong and remember the good times.
Yours Truly,
Angie
Cookie MacCord
Uncle John, you will be greatly missed. You were an awesome friend, brother-n-law and most of all a wonderful dad to Christopher. You were a blessing in my life and I am sad at your passing and yet grateful for the release of your pain. I will go forward with so many wonderful memories. Christopher, my heart breaks for you. It is always hard loosing a parent. My love and prayers go up for you, JoAnn and Clover.
Aunt Cookie
Mary Miller Goldsmith
We were good friends @ DeLaWarr; fun In the lunchroom w/friends , walking home, sharing classes. Sorry you’ve been sick John-I certainly would have been in touch; your friend always, MM.
Dorothy Broadwater
Christopher, JoAnn, and Clover,
I am truly sorry for your loss. John and Sandy were both friends of mine all through school. I was a member of their wedding party. John and I sat on the school bus together. He always made me laugh. He had a great laugh. The last time I saw John was at our 1st high school class reunion (10 years). We had worked together on that with some of our other classmates. And we laughed until we cried at times. They called to tell me they were expecting a baby and were so excited about it. Somewhere along the way we lost touch. I’m sorry for that. I didn’t know about John’s passing until after the fact. I had tried to locate him a while back but couldn’t find him. Now I know he’s with his loved ones. Rest in peace, John. You are missed. Dottie (Nedwick) Broadwater