Willard S. Stewart

Willard S. Stewart, born February 21, 1915, in Wilmington, Del., departed this life July 12 surrounded by his family. Mr Stewart embraced life with strength and passion.

Mr Stewart’s devoted wife, Peggy, preceded him in death on February 19, 2002, after 67 years of marriage.

Mr Stewart was the son of the late Joseph and Mollie Stewart. He is survived by his brother, Richard Stewart of Newark, Del. He was predeceased by two brothers, John and Joseph Stewart; and by his sister, Hilda Stewart, all of Wilmington.

In addition to his brother, Mr Stewart is survived by his three children, daughters, Peggy Snyder of Newtown, Joan Riley of Wilmington, and son, W. Douglas Stewart of Denver, Colo.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Claudia and Heather Snyder of Newtown, James Riley, Janice Baker, and Sean Riley, all of Wilmington, Erick Riley of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Colin, Brendan, and Kailey-Claire Stewart of Denver, Colo; and two great grandchildren, Shannon and Dillon Riley of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Mr Stewart, a professional portrait photographer who had studios at Brecks Mill and 1300 Riverview Avenue in Wilmington, was awarded the degree of Master of Photography by the Professional Photographers Association of America in 1955.

His “Best of Lifetime” photographs are on permanent exhibit in The Photography Hall of Fame in Santa Barbara, Calif., and are considered to be a major asset, a source of reference, and a teaching tool for all professional and amateur photographers.

He also received the James B. Schriever Memorial Plaque, considered the highest honor in photography in the state of Pennsylvania.

Mr Stewart taught many classes at the Winona School of Photography in Winona, Ind. The school, sponsored by the Professional Photographers of America, selected Mr Stewart as an instructor on the basis of his standing as a recognized leader in his profession. He also lectured extensively at photographic seminars throughout New England and Canada.

Mr Stewart was a longtime member of the Wilmington Country Club, and he enjoyed the game of golf.

Services were held at the Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church and interment was in the Lower Brandywine Cemetery. The McCrery Memorial Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Del., was in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee        July 18, 2003