George W. Stewart

George W. Stewart, age 97, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Massachusetts.  Born in Toronto, Canada on November 1, 1925, he was the son of the late Hugh Allen - LeRoy and Fanny Stewart.  He was raised in Canada, where after losing his father at a young age, George left his formal education to enter the working world in an effort to help his family with their household bills.  George enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1943 at the age of 17, proudly serving his country during World War II.  He was stationed aboard a Tribal-class Destroyer named the HMCS Haida where he was the ‘gunner’. The HMCS Haida sank more enemy ships during WWII than any other Canadian vessel and is recognized as a modern day museum and National Historic Site in Hamilton, Ontario.  It is popularly known as Canada’s “most fightingest ship”.  Following his return home in 1945, George married his beloved wife, Harriet J. Greaves, on February 14, 1946, at the United Church of Canada in St. John, New Brunswick.

At the conclusion of his service to his country, in 1949, George and his wife, Harriet, immigrated to the United States, making their home in Dedham, Massachusetts.  He took a position with Bird and Son in East Walpole, Massachusetts, eventually settling with his family, in Walpole.  George remained with Bird and Son for 28 years, serving in all five departments and single handedly keeping the facility running during the Blizzard of '78. After the closure of Bird and Son, George took his skill set as a boiler man to the Foxboro Company, celebrating his retirement in 1991.  His life is a personal example of the greatest generation’s tenacity, resilience, and unmatched work ethic.

George was a true patriot, who loved the United States of America, enthusiastically embracing the traditions and values of his country.  While embracing his new country, George never lost sight of his roots in Canada, and was immensely proud of his service to the Royal Canadian Navy.  As a proud veteran of World War II, George was honored by the Walpole Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5188, as an auxiliary member. 

While George's life could be defined by hard work and service to his country, it was really defined by the relationships and friendships he kept.  He looked forward to spending time with his family, welcoming them home as often as he could, and always enjoyed a night spent with friends at the Red Wing in Walpole, holding conversations over good food and beverages.

During his last years, The Branches Assisted Living in Attleboro, Massachusetts made a comfortable home for him, where he always appreciated the staff and fellow residents.

Beloved husband of 66 years to the late Harriet J. (Greaves) Stewart.

Loving father of Gary W. Stewart of Sandy, Utah, George R. Stewart and his wife, Brooke, of Brooklyn, New York, the late Diane E. Stewart, and the late James A. Stewart.

Cherished grandfather of Ryland Stewart, Henry Stewart, Kelleigh Stewart, Cody Stewart, and Army Brig. Gen (MA)Thomas Stewart; and great grandfather of Marie Stewart, Caraline Stewart, and Norah Stewart.

Brother of the late Morris Stewart, Leonard Stewart, Norman Stewart, and Shirley Stewart.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend George's Life Celebration on Monday, March 27, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Funeral Service will be held in the Epiphany Episcopal Church, 62 Front Street, Walpole on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in George's name may be made to either Epiphany Episcopal Church, 62 Front Street, Walpole, MA 02081 or the Walpole VFW Post 5188, 109 Robbins Road, Walpole, MA 02081.