H. Joseph Stewart

H. Joseph “Joe” Stewart, 79, of Norwich, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at his residence with family by his side. He fought a courageous battle against lymphoma.

Born on September 26, 1940, in Oneonta, Joe was the son of Wallace and Beatrice (Preston) Stewart. After graduating from Oneonta High School, Joe went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science education from Oneonta State. Later, Joe earned a school administrator certificate from Cortland State. Prior to retiring from the Norwich City Schools in 1995, Joe taught physics, chemistry, and computer programming. His first love was physics. He so loved the subject of physics that he was known by many as “Joe Physics.” He was also instrumental in bringing computer technology into the Norwich schools. Joe would also serve as the Norwich High School science department chairman and the principal of the district’s summer school program. He was also a quiet mentor to many of the students he taught. Even during the summer months, Joe was always one to work or volunteer.\

Whether as a teacher or a volunteer, Joe became a leader in whatever endeavor he pursued. He was a “Jack of All Trades” and a master of many. For 15 years, Joe worked with AARP Tax Aide and eventually served as their district coordinator for Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego Counties. For 40 years, he was an Advanced Red Cross First Aid and CPR Instructor, primarily for ski instructors at various upstate New York skiing mountains. Joe was an active member of the National Ski Patrol. Though Joe was stoic and not one to boast, he was proud of having had a hand in rescuing a skier at Labrador Mountain. Joe was also very active in the First Baptist Church, of Norwich, and for a time served as a church trustee.

Joe was also an exceptionally devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and was quite fond of attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Joe is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Swift) Stewart; his children, Lisa S. (Michael) Berard, of Binghamton, and Timothy (Deborah) Stewart, of Tupper Lake, NY, stepchildren, Kristin (Scott) Deady, of Swedesboro, NJ, and Ryan (Bailey) Deady, of Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Bryan, Carl Joseph, Dylan, Cam, Joshua, Michayla, Stella, and Lily Kate; father-in-law, Kenneth (Firn) Swift, of Amblerville, NY; sister in law, Sue Carr, of Oneonta; brother-in-law, Joe (Marianne) Swift, of Lake Placid, FL; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family plans to hold services for Joe when the health and safety of family and friends can be assured. The service schedule will be announced prior to that time. A private burial will take place at Oneonta Plains Cemetery. Please consider a contribution in Joe’s memory to the National Ski Patrol, 133 S. Van Gordon St., Lakewood, CO 80228, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 98018, Washington, D.C. 20090, or the First Baptist Church of Norwich, 10 W. Park Pl., Norwich, NY 13815.