On December 29, 2025, William “Bill” Delahunty Stewart, a highly respected educator, died in Ashburn, Virginia at the age of 85. He was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and following the death of his mother, lovingly raised and adopted by Margaret “Peg” and Ray “Stutz” Stewart. Following graduation from Hickory High School, he pursued further education at the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Virginia, earning degrees in Political Science and Counselor Education. While at Penn State, Bill played trumpet in the marching Blue Band and chaired the rush committee at Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Bill dedicated his career to the Fairfax County School System in Virginia, as a teacher, counselor, director of guidance, assistant principal and principal. He served at the elementary, middle school and high school levels; not many educators had this range of institutional experience. Known for his self-deprecating sense of humor and confident leadership, Bill shaped the lives of many students and educators. His accessibility, warmth and highly attuned counseling skills allowed students both gifted and neglected to confide in Bill and trust his advice. His faith in their journey never wavered.
Bill and his wife Maggie, an artist, made a striking couple. Bill with his quiet manner and Maggie with her artistic flair were a pair to behold. Her boisterous laughter, spurred on by Bill’s sense of humor, was contagious. He loved her deeply, and her death left a major void in his life.
Beyond his professional life, Bill was fully engaged in democratic politics, reflecting his academic background in political science. He was also a devoted animal lover, sharing his home with numerous dogs and cats over the years. Many of his pets were creatively named, including Portia, Bottom, Clouseau, Minkey, and Sherman. When a friend asked Bill why he named his female golden retriever after a car. Bill replied, “She not a car. She’s Shakespeare.” Many of his friends wondered why he never became a veterinarian. Bill was quick to respond, “Organic chemistry.”
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Ray Stewart; his wife, Maggie Stewart; his brothers, Kenneth Delahunty and Keith Stewart. He is survived by his adopted son, Brien Stewart and his children Dylen and Megen; his niece Johanna Delahunty; his nephew Keith Stewart Jr., and many extended family members, friends and former colleagues.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
Bill dedicated his career to the Fairfax County School System in Virginia, as a teacher, counselor, director of guidance, assistant principal and principal. He served at the elementary, middle school and high school levels; not many educators had this range of institutional experience. Known for his self-deprecating sense of humor and confident leadership, Bill shaped the lives of many students and educators. His accessibility, warmth and highly attuned counseling skills allowed students both gifted and neglected to confide in Bill and trust his advice. His faith in their journey never wavered.
Bill and his wife Maggie, an artist, made a striking couple. Bill with his quiet manner and Maggie with her artistic flair were a pair to behold. Her boisterous laughter, spurred on by Bill’s sense of humor, was contagious. He loved her deeply, and her death left a major void in his life.
Beyond his professional life, Bill was fully engaged in democratic politics, reflecting his academic background in political science. He was also a devoted animal lover, sharing his home with numerous dogs and cats over the years. Many of his pets were creatively named, including Portia, Bottom, Clouseau, Minkey, and Sherman. When a friend asked Bill why he named his female golden retriever after a car. Bill replied, “She not a car. She’s Shakespeare.” Many of his friends wondered why he never became a veterinarian. Bill was quick to respond, “Organic chemistry.”
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Ray Stewart; his wife, Maggie Stewart; his brothers, Kenneth Delahunty and Keith Stewart. He is survived by his adopted son, Brien Stewart and his children Dylen and Megen; his niece Johanna Delahunty; his nephew Keith Stewart Jr., and many extended family members, friends and former colleagues.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
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