Norman Stewart

Norman B Stewart, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather died peacefully and with grace at Lourdes Hospital on Friday, March 14, 2014. Norm was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Inez (Gianoncelli); parents, Hiley and Martha Stewart; Brothers, Willard Stewart, William Stewart, and Charles Stewart, Sisters, Letishia Dove, Dorothy Rauer, and Eleanor Bergmann. He is survived by his son, Richard Stewart (Brenda), and daughters Barbara (Doug) Arnold, and Margaret (Frank) Valletta III. Grandchildren, Jessica (Fiancée Michael Raymond) Stewart, Michael (Elease) Stewart, Travis and Hannah Arnold, and Molly and Claire Valletta. Great grandchildren, James Ruffo and Zachary Stewart; Sister in law’s Betty Stewart and Dodi Gianoncelli. Norm graduated from Binghamton Central High School, enlisted in the Navy, and married the love of his life Inez on July 2, 1947. He was employed by IBM for 37yrs where he rose through the ranks as a tool maker, engineer and Manager. IBM provided an opportunity for Norm and Inez to travel and live in Asia, which they enjoyed very much. In their retirement years they were bitten by the travel bug and enjoyed several memorable trips together. Norm was an accomplished musician and played the Trombone in the IBM band for many years. Norm had a special passion for Sailing and had several Boats and Sailboats that he and Inez navigated through the Adirondacks and Great Lakes. Countless special times were had with his children and grandchildren on the deck of the “Serenity”. He was a skilled and avid gardener and was an early adapter of organic methods. His greenhouse teamed with a variety of vegetable seedlings interspersed among breathtaking flowering cactus and other lush greenery. After a hard day’s work in the garden he could choose to reward himself with a cruise on his Harley Davidson, or enjoy the beautiful vista’s from their Gazebo high above Vestal on Skyline Drive. Norm was a Hunting enthusiast, and was equally adept as an Archer - or with a black powder rifle. The family enjoyed scores of venison dinners courtesy of he and his brother “Chike’s” marksmanship. Later in life, Norm became a prolific Walleye fisherman and enjoyed trips with the “Boys” to the Upper Rideau Lake in Canada. His trophy Walleye was landed in 2008 and is now a handsome mount weighing in at 11 ¼ lbs. He served with great pride and distinction in the Vestal Volunteer Fire Department for many years and always delighted in attending the Company 3 pancake breakfasts. Norm was a family man; proud of his Scottish heritage, quick with a joke and a smile, and a Gentleman to the core. The family would like to thank those special Nurses at Lourdes Hospital who gave of themselves to create a home away from home for Norm, and for their gentle and attentive care. Friends will be welcomed for visitation at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main Street, Endicott, Saturday from 1-3 PM. A memorial service will follow at 3 PM at the Memorial Home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in Norman’s name to the Vestal Fire Department, 601 Vestal PKWY W., Vestal, NY 13850.