Richard Stewart, 66 years-old, died at Lourdes Hospital on October 21, 2018. Rick, a life-long resident of Vestal, lived an extraordinary life. He began his career early at IBM and worked his way up to become a computer programmer. He was on the cutting edge of CATIA and CAD CAM, and even taught classes at Glendale Campus. His intellect far surpassed his formal education. A voracious reader, self-taught engineer. Brilliant with a child-like curiosity – so genuine when he said “wow”. He was a proud member of the VCMC and the NRA. He found joy in collecting guns and classic cars. He was the poster child for the saying, “A boy and his toys”. He loved camping and his favorite place in the world is Fish Creek Ponds state park in the Adirondacks. He was history buff, constantly watching documentaries on various topics. He loved John Wayne and was a die-hard Republican, firm on protecting his 2nd amendment rights. His passion for the outdoors, classic cars, and motorcycles was only surpassed by his love for his family. He was proud to have attended all sports and school events for his children, including band, football, lacrosse, and winter guard. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. He forged many true and lasting friendships and was known to be fiercely loyal. He would always help anyone he knew at any time. He will truly be missed by his family and friends but will never be forgotten. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Inez and Norman Stewart. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Jessica and Michael Raymond; his son and daughter-in-law Michael and Elease Stewart; his grandsons and granddaughter James Ruffo, Cassondra Raymond, Zachary Stewart, and Preston Stewart; his sisters and brother-in-laws Barbara and Doug Arnold and Margaret and Frank Valletta; and his nieces and nephews, Travis (Helen) Arnold, Molly (Jimmy) Orband, Hannah Arnold, and Claire Valletta.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday 7 pm from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Thursday from 4 pm until service time at 7 pm.