Stuart W. Stevens

Long-time Sewickley resident, Stuart Wesley Stevens, passed away on Sunday, June 2. The youngest child of the late Samuel and Esther (Trudell) Stevens. Stuart graduated from Quaker Valley High School at the height of the Vietnam War. Stuart was a decorated U.S. Army veteran and weapons specialist with the 1st Air Cavalry Division. His missions included providing cover for onboard rescue helicopters sent to extract U. S. forces from the battlefield. After he returned home, Stuart became a steelworker and later joined American Express, but it was his extracurricular activities that endeared him to so many in the community. As Santa at the American Express employee Christmas party, he would gather intel from families ahead of time for details that only Santa would know. The amazed reactions of the children encouraged him to take his Santa show on the road for neighbors as well. Stuart was also behind the single red ornaments that would mysteriously appear on many of the trees in the neighborhood on winter nights to herald the arrival of the holiday season. Not all of his endeavors were incognito. As a house and pet sitter, dog walker, and caddie at the country club, Stuart made friends easily whether you had two legs or four. Blessed with an inquisitive mind, good humor and great stories, Stuart loved animals, crossword puzzles and people, the last to leave the party, Stuart was predeceased by his parents; his brother Stephen Paul Stevens, sister; Shirley Sue Stevens and his childhood best friend, Hugh McMaster. Stewart is survived by his dear friend Barbara Carrier of Leetsdale, PA. Friends will be welcomed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th, at the RICHARD D. COLE FUNERAL HOME, LTD., 328 Beaver St., Sewickley, PA 15143. Stuart will be laid to rest with Military Honors in Sewickley Cemetery immediately following visitation. Leashed dogs are welcome and encouraged. Donations in Stu's name may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, located at 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa (Center Township), PA 15001. To leave a memory of Stuart, visit us at: www.richarddcolefh.com