John O. Stewart, 81, of Cortland Street, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born April 27, 1936, in Afton, NY, John was the son of H. Lynn and June (Wiggins) Stewart. He was a graduate of Norwich High School’s Class of 1954. While in high school, he was captain of the varsity football team, and starred in tennis, basketball, and baseball. After high school, he attended Oneonta State and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and served our country honorably for two years prior to his discharge. Soon after completing his military service, John worked for the Norwich Shoe Co. Later, he was involved in Real Estate and purchased the Polkville Tavern which he converted the enterprise into the Ye Olde Polke Store, that he operated for many years until his retirement. During his life he also played for the Norwich Blue Jays semi-pro baseball team and for the Norwich Shoe Co. softball team. In 2012, John was inducted in the Norwich High School Sports Hall of Fame. In 2013, he was also inducted as a member of the 1952 undefeated football team.
On July 13, 1957, in Norwich, John married his beloved wife, Marylou (Brunton) Stewart, who survives.
John gained great pleasure from teaching his children and grandchildren the game of tennis. He was so very proud with their academic and athletic accomplishments. In addition to John being a highly respected athlete by both his teammates and his opponents, he was also known for his quiet strength and humility.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children Gary (Sarah) Stewart, John (Beth) Stewart, Betsy (Bill) Loomis, all of Norwich, and Lori (John) Crames, of Mahwah, NJ. Several grandchildren; Stephanie, Elliott, Sophie, Zan, Emily, Colin, Caroline, Sara, Bryn, Thad, Kari, Nicholas, and Elizabeth, and great-grandchildren; Addison, Grace, Harper, Drew, Harrison, and Brantley. Brother Charles E. (Joan) Stewart, of Trumansburg, NY and several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by siblings Gifford Stewart, June Collier, Shirley Few, and Kenneth Stewart.
Friends are invited to call at Wilson Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services for John will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at the Wilson Funeral Home, where Rev. Rachel Ann Morse, pastor, Broad Street United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Ken Stewart Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Norwich City Schools, 89 Midland Dr., Norwich, NY 13815.
To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.