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Stuart Joseph Ainsworth
Stuart Joseph Ainsworth
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Stuart Joseph Ainsworth Obituary
Stuart Joseph Ainsworth delighted in bringing smiles and comfort to those around him whether through a plate of food or a great big hug. Stuart was born at Norwalk Hospital on December 19, 1989 and spent all of his formative years in New Canaan attending East School, Saxe Middle School, and graduating from New Canaan High School in 2008.
A longtime member of the Congregational Church of New Canaan, Stuart was active in the middle and high school youth groups there. He served as a leader to the middle school youth group while a high school student. He was also an active member of the worship team and Quest for the Spirit groups. Mission trips with CCNC took him across the country and he relished the opportunity to learn from others and to be of service.
Throughout his middle, high school, and college years Stuart could be found training in the pool as an active, year-round swimmer. His love for the sport began early at The Lake Club in Wilton and continued as he swam for the Wilton Wahoo program and then the New Canaan Y Caimans. Stuart was fueled by his competitive spirit and desire to be part of a team. Those twin drives enabled him to set several New Canaan and YMCA pool records as a high school All-American. That same love of swimming led him to Bucknell University where he was a member of the varsity swim team.
A move to the west coast coincided with Stuart falling in love with cooking and working in professional kitchens. He worked for over seven years with the Montage Hotel and Resort group, first in their Laguna Beach property and later as Chef De Cuisine at the Palmetto Bluffs, South Carolina property. Stuart was content in most any kitchen but never happier than when cooking with his mother in her kitchen.
Having passed away at the too young age of 33, Stuart will be remembered for all the ways he brought joy into this world. With each meal he cooked or phone call shared he brought his loveable self to those around him, always looking to brighten their day. He will be deeply missed by his parents, Greg and Suzanne Ainsworth, his sisters Emily and Caroline, their spouses, Chris Orfan, and Jake Hughes, and his niece and nephews Tucker Orfan, Teddy Orfan and Henry Hughes.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 11, at 1pm, at The Congregational Church of New Canaan, located at 23 Park Street. The Revs. Kelly Hough Rogers and Kathryn Kibbie Laird will officiate. A luncheon reception will follow at the Roger Sherman Inn.
Memorial donations may be made to The New Canaan Congregational Church Middle School Youth Group spring mission trip to Mountainside Treatment Center https://godsacre.ccbchurch.com/goto/giving
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kenny shaw
January 30, 2025
He asked " Kenny you want an English muffin?" I said what´s that? He said " dude I´m about to change your life" I still think about that every time I´m in the grocery store or I make an English muffin. I miss Stu he was a great guy and I will remember the time I had with him forever. I know how much he loved his family and loved being an uncle. I have a surf fin from a board he gave me above my door in the garage I brought with me all the way to Louisiana. Love you Stu I wish I could have done more we miss you brother
Kenny Shaw
September 27, 2023
Stuart was my roomate in Dana point. He taught me things about cooking I still do today. We had good talks in the kitchen, I´m glad I got to know Stu. I have a surfboard he was using as a table in his room he said " yeah man it´s yours" I have it my garage and I think of him every time I see it. We use to paddle board in the Dana point harbor , my girlfriend lives across the street from me and Stu´s old place I think of him often
Andre Basso
March 16, 2023
Dear Mr. And Mrs. Ainsworth.
It is with a heavy heart that I received the news about Stuart´s passing. For us at Mountainside, the New Canaan Congregational Church Middle School Youth Group spring mission trip to our mountain and campgrounds is both a reason for joy and satisfaction, as it is an honor. The initiative is deeply cherished amongst our staff, and Stuart was an integral part of it. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Andre Basso
Chief Executive Officer
Mountainside Treatment Center
David Kirby
February 16, 2023
Dear Mr. And Mrs. Ainsworth, I am a Masters swimmer and swam with the kids for many years and well remember how well Stuart and the others did that year of 2007. I remember Stuart for his hard work ethic and the smile he always had, even in the midst of a tough workout. The tops of the large storage chests on the deck of the large pool at the NC Y are inscribed with the outstanding results of that season, including Stuart's name for his role in two of the relays. Deepest, deepest condolences. David Kirby
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james hennessy
February 12, 2023
I will always remember the mountainside trip I took with Stuart as a middle schooler, he had the biggest heart. The kids all loved him.
Eugenie Diserio
February 11, 2023
Dear Suzanne and Greg I am thinking of the emotionally connected service and reception today celebrating Stuart. We all reminisced on his stellar swimming back in 2007 and being on the only NCHS team to win FCSL in 40 years! But fast forward to honor the talent and discipline Stuart developed to work as a top tier chef at Montage properties.
There are no words for this profound loss other than you are in our hearts .
Steven Parks
February 11, 2023
Dear Greg & Suzanne -
I am so sorry to hear of Stuart´s passing. I remember him from early on in Little League baseball , The Lake Club and of course his friendship with Doug.
Greg I remember saying to you after he had obliterated all of The LC records: "Greg where does he get it?" and you replied "I don´t know ! " One of the funnier things he brought to all our lives.
I´m so thankful that I knew him and of course both of you and your girls too. We´ve lost a great kid & person in our lives but I´m sure it will make you all a stronger family. Hang in there.
Steve Parks
Donna Reinman
February 11, 2023
It is with a heavy heart that I write this note. The sad news of Stuart´s passing, the loss of your son.
I remember Suzanne walking with you on Rosebrook Rd. when Stuart had recently moved West to try is hand in the kitchen - a move fueled by passion, as is so often the case w young people. Clearly, his passion was his talent and his joy.
Our family, Thomas and Alex, remember Stuart as a kind, smart, helpful and fun person.
We send our love and prayers to you all.
Sincerely,
Donna and John Reinman
Donna Reinman
February 11, 2023
Dear Greg and Suzanne :
It is w a heavy heart that I write this note. The news of Stuart´s passing, unthinkable.
I remember Suzanne walking w you on Rosebrook Rd when Stuart had recently moved West to try his hand in the kitchen. A moved fueled by passion as it so often is w a young person. Clearly his passion was his talent and his joy!
Our family, Thomas and Alex, remember Stuart as a kind, smart, helpful and fun Person. It is w tremendous sadness that we feel his loss.
We send love and prayers to you all,
Donna and John Reinman
Tamas and Betty
February 9, 2023
Dear Suzanne and Greg,
Our hearts are filled with sorrow. God rest Stuart`s soul in peace and may his spirit always be there with you. Sending love your way,
Candice Krist
February 9, 2023
Dear Suzanne and Greg, we are so very, very sorry for your loss. Sending you love and courage and strength.
Candice and Rob Krist
Melanie
February 8, 2023
My deepest sympathies to The Ainsworth family!
Stuart was a great man who was liked by all. His warm personality and charming smile was not only infectious but also put everyone at ease. He had a way of making difficult tasks seem like a piece of cake and enjoyable too.
Stuart was one of the reasons I looked forward to going to work. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes that gave him a mischievous look and you could be sure that what ever he was about to say or do would make the day better.
The world need more people like Stuart. Kind, generous, caring, talented, thoughtful, humorous and giving.
I´m thankful that I had the opportunity to know Stuart. I will miss him greatly!
Christian higgins
February 8, 2023
So sorry for your loss, Stu was a great mentor and friend and I look back with the fondest memories with him. God bless
Debbie Jenkins Howe
February 8, 2023
Dearest Greg, Suzanne and family, I am so deeply sorry to learn about your loss. I have endless memories of Stuart and our times together. May god bless all of you during this time, my prayers are with you. All my love, Debbie
Sue Battersby
February 7, 2023
Greg, Suzanna, and family,
We are so very sorry for your devastating loss, prayers opeace and comfort to you all.
Glenn & Sue Boyd Battersby
Dan, Barb and daughters
February 6, 2023
Dan, Barb, Christine, Laura and Jenifer send our love and prayers to the Ainsworths. We fondly remember Stu's swimming days, our time in Laguna Beach with Stuart demonstrating his culinary skills and the girls talked of Stu leading the "rapping and dancing in Kiawah" when the parents were at dinner. God Bless Stuart.
Bert
February 5, 2023
During his brief tenure with us Stuart illuminated many of the lives both of his colleagues and of the many residents of the Hampton Hall Community where he served as Executive Sous Chef and as transitional Executive Chef during a challenging transitional period for our community.
His legacy as a man who expressed his convictions through service to others will live on in our hearts and in the many happy memories of the lives he touched.
Rachael
February 5, 2023
Just a note to let you know how many of us cared about Chef and are thinking about you and your family during this time. Chef was a very kind co-worker and will be missed by his Montage Family and Friends.
Felicia Wentway
February 4, 2023
We are do sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for strength and peace. Charlie and Felicia Wentway
Cheryl & Mike Calter
February 4, 2023
We are so very sorry for your heartbreaking loss. We will always remember Stuart´s big smile, big hug and love for his family. We love all of you
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