John E. Stewart

John E. Stewart, age 73, of Seaford, DE, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023. Born in Wilmington, DE on December 28, 1949, he was the son of the late Edward and Beatrice (Duncan) Stewart. John worked for New Castle County in emergency dispatch until his retirement. Dedicated to helping others, John was a life member of the Holloway Terrace Fire Company. During the holiday season, he enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus. John could often be found cheering on his beloved Baltimore Orioles or watching WWE Wrestling. He loved going to yard sales to search for a new treasure to take home. Above all, John cherished spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra M. Stewart. He is survived by his son, Christopher Stewart (JoAnn) of Seaford; and grandchild, Clover L. Stewart of Seaford. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 10:30 am on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Holloway Terrace Fire Company, 700 West Avenue, PO Box 684, New Castle, DE 19720. Dad may have seemed like a boring man from the outside, but he truly liked to have fun. Dad, you had so many people that thought highly of you, from Holloway Terrace Fire Department to being a 911 Dispatcher. You brought a lot of laughs along the way! Some examples of that, but there are too many to list: playing Cupid for the Firehouse Banquet (full cupid balloons and a diaper) I wish I could have seen that, playing Santa, hearing stories of you “clowning” down the road (September of 1973 when Holloway Terrace won the Governor’s cup). Besides doing things for others, you were a great family man. In fact, the best! Do you remember the time we went to Universal Studios? We rode the Popeye ride that you were laughing so hard you were crying! In fact, the guy let you ride again. Or riding the E.T. ride, it lifted off the ground and you said a few choice words. Bottom line you were a family MAN! When you weren’t laughing or clowning around you were also a mentor and friend. You have been difficult at times, but then again who isn’t? I can see how much you meant to others, for example: “John always had our back”, “John was one of the good guys”, “my best friend”, “best man in my wedding”, “good man”, and many others Dad, I appreciate all the long talks and your support over the years. I thank you for providing for me, even working two jobs to allow me to attend a better school and my scouting activities. I want to thank you for driving two hours after you worked all night to support me with honor roll breakfast. I love the time we spent watching the O’s or the Shorebirds. Even better when we went to Atlanta to watch the Braves, we had to get the $10.00 cheeseburger. Man, that was good! You aren’t just an inspiration to me but also to Clover. Clover wrote you a tear-jerking message that I would love to share with you “Last night was probably the worst night of my life. Losing you made me rethink everything. I miss you so much! You’ll never understand how much you mean to me and brought me so much joy seeing you. I was there till the last-minute gramps; it’s going to be rough. It has been rough. It’s hard going to sleep and waking up. I just wish we could talk and have one good laugh. I love you and always will. Pita you’re a strong man, a loving man, I miss you”. Dad, I tried my best to make you proud. I tried my best to care for you. If I had to do it again I would. I have no regrets. I am sorry for any time I got snippy. I am sorry if I made the wrong decision. I just want you to know you are free now! No more pain, no more medicine, no more hurt. You are home with my mother (Sandra) and your parents (Edward and Beatrice). Dad as I close there is a poem I want to share. By the way you know it mom used it; “I’M FREE” Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of day If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch If my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your heart, rejoice with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

John E. Stewart

December 28, 1949 - February 5, 2023