Robert (Bob) L. Stewart, age 92, of Indiana, Pa., surrounded by his loving family, passed away and into the presence of the Lord on September 23, 2024.
The son of William C. and Margaret Elizabeth (Hill) Stewart, he was born June 5, 1932, in Indiana, Pa. In 1955 Bob married Concetta J. (Connie) Adornato. They were blessed with 68 years of marriage.
Bob lived his entire life in Indiana. He was a graduate of Indiana High School and, after working for the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P), he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge he attended and graduated from Indiana State Teachers College.
His first and only teaching position was with the Marion Center Area School District where he served as a business teacher. He then became assistant principal and athletic director. He later served the school district as high school principal for 18 years and retired in 1993 after 34 years in education. During his tenure at Marion Center he attended the University of Pittsburgh to obtain his master’s degree and later received his certification in school administration from Duquesne University.
He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church. He often assisted his wife with volunteer activities associated with church functions, Meals on Wheels, and Salvation Army Treasures for Children. Bob and Connie worked together for many years preparing income tax returns.
Bob was a life member of Post 1989 Veterans’ of Foreign Wars, and for many years after retirement from the school system served as a volunteer Post Quartermaster and subsequently as the VFW Country Club general manager. He also volunteered and served in various positions as a member of the VFW board, retiring officially in 2014.
Bob and Connie traveled extensively both in and out of the country for the first 10 years of their retirement. They also enjoyed ballroom dancing and belonged to two dance clubs for more than 20 years.
Bob, who was fondly known as “Big Foot”, cherished time with his family, gardening, and just hanging out on the patio or in his work room/office. He loved to work crossword puzzles. He was an avid reader of the Bible as well as literature and news pertaining to local, state, national and world affairs, and politics.
Bob is survived by his four children: Catherine Blystone of Indiana; Cheryl Stewart of Indiana, Cynthia Strittmatter (Greg) of Indiana; Robert S. Stewart (Maria) of Atlanta, Ga.; one brother, Richard Stewart (Joyce) of Indiana; one sister, Geraldine (Stewart) Esch of Lebanon, Ind.; and son-in-law Craig Fahnestock (husband of the late Christine Stewart) of Hershey, Pa.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Rachel Strittmatter (Matt Schroeder), Angela George, Erin Klindworth (Jeff), Scott Blystone (Laura), Cassandra Miller, Brendan Stewart, Laura Stewart, Lindsay Miller (John Manda), Summer Miller and Anna Stewart; great-grandchildren Peyton and Brock George; and his beloved dog Maggie.
Preceding him death were his wife Connie (March 12, 2023); his daughter Christine Stewart (Nov. 1, 2023); his parents; one brother, William Stewart; one sister, Elizabeth (Betty) (Stewart) McClure; and three half-brothers: John (Jack) Byers, David Byers and Kenneth Byers.
The Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory of Indiana is responsible for the arrangements. There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11:00 at St. Bernard Catholic Church followed by a private entombment at the St. Bernard Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to 365 Hospice, 115 South Main Street, Carrolltown, Pa. 15722 or to the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, 621 Wayne Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701.
Online condolences may be offered by visiting: rbfh.net .
