David Alfred Stewart

David Alfred Stewart, 81, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026.

David was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. While he later made Oak Ridge, NJ, his home to start a family, New York called him back, as he loved itsvibrance.

David faced life's challenges early when his father passed away when he was a young man. From that point on, he carried responsibilities with quiet resilience, shaping a life of resourcefulness, resolution, and at times, rebellion. He offered wisdom wherever and to whomever he could. He was never flashy or boastful, but those who knew him understood the depth of his knowledge and insight. He had a philosophical perspective on life, and he approached it with deep thought and reflection.

David spent his entire career as an underwriter at Equitable Life Assurance. His work sparked a passion for medical research and supporting cutting-edge technology in the practice of medicine.

Despite humble means, he had a remarkable talent for creating joy and magic in everyday moments. Whether it was long road trips, days at the beach, or exploring a sleepy new town, David knew how to turn simple experiences into treasured memories. He had a knack for improvising solutions, fixing broken cars, toys, tools, and anything else where he could play handyman. He had a steady patience that was practical, thoughtful, and dependable.

He had a lifelong love of pizza, a simple joy that always brought a smile to his face. He believed in abundance at family celebrations and milestones, driving miles out of his way to get the special bread for the table, or raviolis for the holiday feast. He could frequently be seen with a mug of coffee and a biscotti or taralli in hand.

He had an innate sense of adventure and couldn't be tamed. He loved the freedom his car would bring and would take long drives to clear his mind, escape reality, or discover the world. He loved to explore and immerse himself in the culture, language, and people everywhere he went.

Nothing brought him greater happiness than his family. His daughter Heather was the light of his life, and he shared with her a bond of love and unwavering devotion. He also grew to deeply love and trust his son-in-law, Rob, whom he cherished as family. He especially adored his twin granddaughters, and his pride in them was immeasurable. There were few things that brought tears to his eyes, but the innocence of a child was one of them.

David is survived by his daughter Heather Cascone and her husband Robert; his beloved granddaughters Emilia and Natalie; and his nieces Pamela and Lisa Pasquale. David was predeceased by his longtime partner, Susan Voge, his sister, Agnes Pasquale, and his brother-in-law, Frank Pasquale.

A visitation will be held Friday, March 13, 2026 at Scanlan's: Where Life is Celebrated in Pompton Plains, New Jersey from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. A memorial service will take place at 6:30PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.