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John Stewart Obituary
Chief John Bradley Stewart, 85, beloved lifelong Hartford resident, devoted husband of the late Gladys L. (Strong) Stewart, passed away, Saturday, October 17, 2015. Born in Hartford, son of the late John B. Stewart, Sr. and Mattie (Baker). He retired in 1992 after a distinguished career as one of the first African American Fire Chiefs in New England. Chief leaves his children Wendy S. Villabos (John) of Redondo Beach, CA, William G. Stewart, Sr. of Rocky Hill, Donald B. Stewart of Wilkes Barre, PA, Major John B. Stewart (Major C. Anita Stewart) of Syracuse, NY, Jeffrey A. Stewart, and Holly Ann Stewart of Hartford. He also leaves 6 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; devoted sisters-in-law Eleanor Manselle, Beatrice Wilburn, and Barbara Wiggins; a niece he raised, Deborah Scott; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Chief's family will receive friends Tuesday, October 20, 2015 from 5-8 PM at Faith Congregational Church, 2030 Main St., Hartford CT; Wednesday, October 21, 2015, from 9:45-10:45 prior to his Funeral Service at 11 AM at Faith Congregational Church, 2030 Main Street, Hartford. Burial will follow Spring Grove Cemetery, Hartford. Contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Adult Rehab Center, c/o the John & Gladys Stewart Canteen Fund, 333 Homestead Ave. Hartford, CT 06112. For directions or condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for John Stewart
Sponsored by the family.
Neil A Sullivan
October 12, 2024
Chief Stewart was a colleague and friend. We forged inter- agency cooperation between the police and fire department in the 1970's. Chief Stewart went on to become City Manager and led in his usual community oriented style to move the city forward. I am so proud to call him my friend and to have served in Public Safety with this good man. May Chief Stewart rest in peace and may his family know of his place of honor in the leadership of the City of Hartford.
Pamela Hyman
October 22, 2015
Beautiful homegoing service RIP Chief Stewart. My condolences to the Stewart family.
Alan Goldstein
October 20, 2015
The GOLDSTEIN family wishes to send their deepest condolences to the STEWART family: Chief Stewart will be deeply missed. He and my father Lt. Arnold Goldstein worked together in the HARTFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT. Chief Stewart was a TRUE GENTLEMAN and really looked out for my dad, and for that, I thank you!!!!! R.I.P CHIEF
Adele Booker Williams
October 21, 2015
To the family of John B. Stewart, Jr.,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of a great man. My family stands with you at this time, and I know that my dad, Carl Booker, is watching down from Heaven and has welcomed Mr. Stewart into his new home. Our prayers are with you.
Donna McBride
October 19, 2015
May you Rest in Peace Chief John Stewart. My prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to the Stewart Family. I pray for God's peace and comfort to each and everyone of you all during your time of sorrow Love, Donna McBride and Victor Johnson
Todd Cooper
October 28, 2015
Jeff...saddened to hear of the loss of your dad, my condolences.
Mary Ann Wilson
October 23, 2015
My deepest sympathy to my dear family for many years while growing up in Bloomfield. I will alway remember your fathet's smile and great humor.
Love always.
God bless you all.
Mary Ann Patterson-Wilson
Lynda Carter
October 22, 2015
Holly and Family,
please accept my condolences, on behalf of my family to yours.
Guzman Family
October 22, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the family. May God comfort you all during this difficult time. Chief was truly a great leader who loved his community. Thank you for your great example. RIP
Len Walker
October 22, 2015
RIP my brother
October 22, 2015
Ron and Leslie Lewis from Richmond Virginia and Philly sincerely expresses our heartfelt sympathies to John's Family. Unfortunately, we were not able to attend the services. We both wish to say that John was truly a dynamic leader to all firefighters, a trailblazer and major contributor to starting the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. THANK YOU JOHN!! Love Ron and Leslie
October 21, 2015
Dear Family,
Sharing with you our sweetest prayers, fondest memories and sincerest condolences. Our dear Cousin Jackie will most certainly be missed: family historian, archivist, patriarch, and more...
May our family's legacy and wonderful history continue...I look forward to celebrating Jackie and our other remarkable ancestors at our next family reunion.
With love always,
Cousins Carol, Lori & Cito Stewart
October 21, 2015
To,
Our Beloved Brother and Uncle Chief John B. Stewart,
You are Brother John to Geneva and me. You are Uncle John to Michael, Trevor and Deborah. We are family.
As I reminisce about our family, I try to count the number of social gatherings we have attended? How many vacations have we taken? How many laughs have we laughed? Who's the best bowler? How many celebrations have we shared? How many life challenges have we faced? How many times have we prayed together? Countless! We love you Brother! We love you Uncle John!
To the Stewart family,
Your Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Cousin will be remembered for the great MAN that he is. I know you will miss him very much as we all will. Please extend my family's sympathy to your entire family.
Love,
Ed, Geneva, Michael, Trevor and Deborah Randolph
Patricia Jackson
October 21, 2015
My last memory of the "Chief" was at the Retired Firefighters Reunion in Jacksonville, Florida. He will be missed. Patricia Jackson
Pat Sullivan & Family
October 21, 2015
To the Stewart Family: We express our sincerest condolences. Hartford has experienced and now lost one it's finest leaders.
Marcus Williams
October 21, 2015
Bridget & Boo, sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. He was a great man and made the city of Hartford proud. You should be honored to have called him Grandpa.
My heart goes out to you.
Mook
Mittie Thompson Fuller
October 21, 2015
To the Stewart Family:
My deepest sympathy and condolences to each and every one of you.
Years ago John and Gladys were a significant part of our great community. I recall the Alstons, Baileys, Stewarts, Bookers, Halls, Lightfoots, Epps, Barlows and Thomas families, among others. What a great mix of wonderful people up and down the street!
John served Hartford well through his tenure as Fire Chief and during and afterwards as an influential community leader.
May God comfort you with his richest blessings during this very difficult time.
Mittie Thompson Fuller, formerly long-time Hartford resident.
Winter Haven, Florida
Naomi Crawford Mckoy
October 20, 2015
Stewart Family
May you find peace and comfort during the passing of your beloved family member..Chief Stewart was a kind and
gentle soul...he firmly believed in the term, FAMILY FIRST. He always assisted community residents with day to day issues..Chief would uplift my spirits by saying to me, "continue doing a great job young lady, this city need you"
"REST IN PEACE CHIEF- JOB WELL DONE"
Ms.Naomi Crawford Mckoy & Family
Thelma (Mickey) Douglas-Singh
October 20, 2015
My deepest sympathies go out to the Stewert family. May God,s peace and loving memories comfort you at this difficult time.
Dorothy (Chislom)Harris
October 20, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
John Cornelius
October 20, 2015
He was my first Fire Chief. He hired me on May 2, 1988. It was an honor to serve under his leadership.
Noretta Flemmings
October 20, 2015
Major John and Anita Stewart and Stewart family. May the peace of God be with you all during this time. Love you much.
wendy booker
October 20, 2015
Our condolences I will never forget the great man you were and all those you influenced. including my father Carl Booker rip my brother in Christ
(Wendy Booker Nixon
Denise Best
October 20, 2015
My condolences to Jeffrey and the other family members of our revered Chief Stewart. The community has lost a trailblazer, a warrior and an icon. I know that I am not alone when I say that he will be truly missed!
yvonne pinnock
October 20, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Chief Steward was a great man. I feel honored to have known him.
Betty Clancy
October 20, 2015
My condolences to the family of a very well respected man . Rest in sweet peace. A job well done. Gomes and Clancy family
October 20, 2015
Beloved Family,
"May precious memories always linger"....
Lovingly,
Riley and Cerise Johnson
Natalie Mendes
October 20, 2015
I had so much respect and affection for Chief Stewart. I will miss his warm smile and his humor. My sincere condolences to his family.
Christopher Stan
October 20, 2015
Dear Stewart Family,
The Chief helped me like countless others. He taught me much about public service through his tireless work ethic, commitment to community, and unyielding sense of optimism. Diplomacy, charm, wit, sensibility, humor, all these are hallmarks of the Chief.
He will be sorely missed, but know that Chief lives on through you, and through the fond memories we share of his life and great works here on earth.
Angie Russo & family
October 20, 2015
Dear Jeff and family,
Thinking of you and your family at this time. What a beautiful man your father was...and so is his entire family. God Bless you. Love, light and prayers to you all. Sincerely,
Frank Collins
October 20, 2015
Our regrets to his family. He was a real nice guy and a good neighbor.
Collins Family
Pamela Chafin
October 20, 2015
The Chafin family sends their deepest condolences to the Stewart family. Our fathers (James) grew up together in Hartford.
Pamela Roebuck
October 20, 2015
God has Spoken Rest on Giant! !! Job well done' from. Pamela Roebuck ret.HPD Parking Controller
Marilyn roberts
October 20, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I met Mr Stewart many years ago, when I work in the store on Barbour st. RIP
Cherrille Stewart-Howard
October 20, 2015
Love you uncle john. You were (and will always be) a strong pillar in our stewart family. Now you are with your beloved wife and other family and friends. RIP uncle.
Jackie Bethea
October 20, 2015
To The Stewart Family,
The Chief was one of the finest men I ever met! I remember him doing me a favor by coming to speak at the Boys & Girls Clubs at Dutch Point when we opened up there! he was our first guest! He was a hit! he then just started to stop by just because! Telling stories and the kids loved it! I will never forget that! That's who he was and that's who I will always remember amongst other things! You will be missed Chief Stewart! Salute!
Karen Rivers-Lovelace
October 20, 2015
Dear Stewart family, I am so very sorry for your loss. He always had a smile on his face and a laugh or two. Mr. Stewart will be greatly missed.
Andrea Comer
October 20, 2015
So grateful for the advice and support of this humble legend in our community. Deepest condolences to the Stewart family, and the countless people who feel the loss of Chief Stewart who inspired us all.
Jimmy McKinney
October 20, 2015
Sincere condolences to the Stewart family. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
October 19, 2015
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. The Syracuse Citadel family
Sharon D. Mounds
October 19, 2015
Dear Jeff (and Family),
Memories of "The Chief".....The Chief with friends and family on the bus to the The Harlem Book Fair.
Love & Peace
Sharon D. Mounds
Neil Sullivan
October 19, 2015
I was privileged to work with Chief Stewart as we collaborated in one of the first police/fire interventions during the turbulent 60's and 70's. Always a gentleman, a consummate professional and, most importantly, my friend. May he rest in peace. May his family take comfort in fond memories.
Fenêtre Arms Peterson
October 19, 2015
My Condolences to the family. May God Keep you during this difficult time.
LAMONT STANKWICH.
October 19, 2015
To the Family of Chief Stewart. I served under the Chief when I first became a firefighter. He was a true inspiration and defined the meaning of the word Leader. Chief Stewart, Thank You for the positive impact You made on My life.
Gene Seymour
October 19, 2015
I will always remember a family friend, a good neighbor, cool dad & (most of all) an inspiration to generations of people, black, white, young, old. As someone once said of a great president, he stands like a rock in memory. Blessings to his family & loved ones.
Frankie Carter
October 19, 2015
Condolences to the Stewart family in the passing of Chief John Stewart. Gladys and John were life long friends of my parents, Frank and Gussie Carter. Gregory good friend to my brother Gus. Donald good friend to my brother Joe. John good friend to my brothers Rod and Brainard. The Carter family mourns with the Stewart family and treasures the memories going way back to little league baseball, boy scouts, Blue Hills School, junior high school and high school, and years in the Hartford Fire Dept. John Stewart was one of Frank Carter Sr's best friends. Very thankful and grateful for how John Stewart has impacted the lives of the Carter family. TGBTG
THE CALLIS FAMIYL
October 19, 2015
CHIEF STEWART, WE THANK YOU AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR ROLE IN THE HISTORY OF HARTFORD AND THE HISTORY OF A STRONG MAN,WONDERFUL FATHER AND FRIEND......THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Richard Dukes
October 19, 2015
To the Stewart Family,
I remember Mr. Stewart from my days in Bloomfield. He was a good man with a great heart and will be missed by all who knew and love him. My prayers and condolences to you.
October 19, 2015
Chief Stewart, May you rest in peace now, your job is done, It was a pleasure working for you for the years we did. Jeff, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire Family.
Ret.Lt.Rick Davey- FMO-HFD
Joan Kelley-Davey -FMO-HFD
Florida
Mr. V.R. Hall & Family
October 19, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
October 19, 2015
l
October 19, 2015
Jeff, I am sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. May you and your family find peace in your fond memories of him.
Catherine Young
October 19, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Chris Burton and family
October 19, 2015
To the family: I am sorry to hear of Mr Stewart's passing. He will surely be missed because he was such a good man. May he rest in peace and God bless you all.
October 19, 2015
Chief Stewart was a fine man. I remember him as a boy when he was a firefighter, and would come into our Drugstore(Euclid Pharmacy)on Blue Hills Ave. He was very nice to me, even as a kid. This was in the Seventies and even then he was a man whom you admired and was very gracious and was a positive and good man, part of his community and will be missed. My he rest in peace.
Frank Rodriguez
October 19, 2015
Our most sincere condolences to the Stewart family. I had the opportunity to work under his supervision (Special Services Unit 1975). At that time he was Captain.
John B. Stewart always demonstrated a genuine concern for our Hartford Community. The City of Hartford has lost a great leader.
kenneth toce
October 19, 2015
I am very sadden of the passed of s great man fire chief Stewart.you served Hartford with pride and dignity may god watch over you and may you RIP.
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