Walter Richard Stewart Sr., a devoted husband, father, Navy veteran, and longtime resident of
Newton, Massachusetts, passed away on July 17th at the age of 90.
Walter was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, on October 20, 1935, to Irwin Stewart and Cecilia
Ramsey. Proud of his Scottish and English heritage, he descended from ancestors who came to
America through Nova Scotia. After his father left the family when Walter was young, he was
raised by his mother under difficult financial circumstances. Those early experiences shaped
the resilience, resourcefulness, and strong sense of responsibility that guided him throughout
his life.
As a boy, Walter and his friends would gather near the railroad tracks, where sympathetic train
engineers sometimes tossed them extra pieces of coal. The boys brought the coal home, where
it could be used or sold during lean times. It was an early example of the determination and
ingenuity Walter carried throughout his life.
Walter began serving in the United States Navy in 1955. As a Gunner’s Mate Third Class on the
USS Cotton destroyer and USS Macon aircraft carrier, he traveled around the world and
developed memories that remained with him throughout his life. He completed his service
with an honorable discharge.
In 1959, Walter married Antoinette Pellegrini. He often joked that he had “married a rich girl,”
and through their marriage, his Scottish and English roots became forever intertwined with
Antoinette’s proud Italian heritage. Walter moved to her close-knit neighborhood of
Nonantum - affectionately known as “The Lake”- where they built their home, raised their
family, and shared a life spanning more than six decades.
Walter worked hard throughout his life to provide for those he loved. During the 1960s, he
delivered milk and ice cream and became especially popular with his children and their friends
whenever he brought home extra ice cream. He later spent approximately 25 years delivering
five-gallon water bottles, winning several company competitions. Never one to remain idle,
Walter went on to establish his own chauffeuring business, serving clients throughout the
Newton area for another 20 years.
Although Walter’s own father was absent during much of his childhood, Walter chose a
different path. He was present for his children, consistently putting their needs ahead of his
own. Of all his accomplishments, the family he built and cared for was among his greatest
sources of pride.
Walter also knew how to enjoy life and bring others along for the adventure. During the 1980s,
he organized annual whitewater-rafting trips to Maine and Canada, arranging for busloads of
neighbors and friends to spend memorable weekends together. Closer to home, he was known
for his garden and the endless good-natured competition surrounding his tomatoes. Walter
delighted in telling his Italian friends that he had grown the season’s first tomato, the
neighborhood’s largest tomato, or simply more tomatoes than anyone else. Whatever the
outcome of the competition, he generously shared his harvest with his friends. Visitors to his regular Dunkin’ Donuts gathering place could count on Walter having a joke ready. His humor, playful teasing, and easy conversation made him a familiar and memorable presence in the community.
Walter was predeceased by his brother, Ronald, and his sister, Patricia. He is survived by his
beloved wife, Antoinette; his children, Walter Jr. and his wife Ruixiang, Janine and partner
Jackie, Victor and partner Steve, and Michael and his wife Mary; his half-sister, Jacqueline
Thompson of Ohio; his grandchildren, Shannon, Kelly and Tony; and many additional friends
and neighbors whose lives were made brighter by his humor, generosity, and companionship.
Walter will be remembered as a man who rose above a difficult childhood, served his country
honorably, worked tirelessly, loved his family selflessly, and never missed an opportunity to
share a joke - or boast about his tomatoes.
Visitation in the Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown St, Newton on Monday, July 20 from 4-7pm. Funeral Mass at 10:30am on Tuesday, July 21 in Our Lady's Church, 573 Washington St, Newton. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated and may be made to the Salvation Army.