John N. Stewart
June 23, 1932-July 3, 2024
Pleasanton, California
With heavy hearts, we the family of John Stewart , celebrate his life today. At age 92 years and 9 days, John left us, passing peacefully on July 3, 2024.
Simply put, John was a remarkable man, devoted father and husband – caring, honest, and honorable. He leaves behind his wife, Kay Stewart, following 65 years of marriage, his daughter Laurie and his two sons, Jack and Paul. John also leaves behind four grandchildren: Will Clark, Tyler Stewart, Shelby Stewart, and Tigan Patrick; and a daughter-in-law, Kelle Patrick. John was a long-time resident of Pleasanton.
John is and was best known around the community as a teacher of history and social studies. He taught for nearly 30 years within the Pleasanton School District, first at Pleasanton School then later at Harvest Park. During his years he taught thousands of students, many of whom still remember him with fondness. He was known as the teacher who liked to tell very “corny” jokes. John also spent nearly a decade coaching youth soccer teams in Pleasanton and Dublin.
In earlier years, John earned his BA and MA in Education from the University of the Pacific in Stockton. He additionally served in the US Navy for two years and was based primarily in the Asia Pacific. Following their wedding in 1959, John and Kay spent two years teaching at a US army base in Germany. He and Kay went back to do this again for a two year stint starting in 1988. While in Pleasanton, John and Kay had been active members of the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church and more recently became members of the First Presbyterian Church of Livermore.
Beyond spending time with his family and friends, John’s passions in life included reading (he must have read thousands of books) and traveling. As a dad and young family man, in the 1970’s, he and his family set out on many long (and not so long) road trips. This included three summer-long trips driving across the USA pulling a trailer behind the family station wagon. In total, the family traveled over 15,000 miles and to all of the 48 contiguous US states (+ Canada), visiting many several times. Later, the family took trips to both Alaska and Hawaii, completing their American journey. Internationally, John ventured to as many as 60 countries, visiting 6 continents and exploring Europe extensively.
Born in Santa Monica in 1932, John attended Santa Monica High School. He met Kay in 1957 at a church in Westwood, marrying her in Compton in 1959.
With great respect and appreciation we, his family, thank the caregivers at the Golden Hill Home in San Ramon who assisted with John’s living and health issues during his final months.
As we reflect on John's rich life we cherish the memories of a man who touched many with his kindness, patience, wisdom, and humor.
Tags: veteran, teacher/educator
