Posted October 10, 2023

Deacon James J. Stewart died on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, after a battle with cancer. He was 74 years old.

Deacon Stewart was a graduate of Bishop Neumann High School. In 1971, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from LaSalle University. In 1980, he received an MBA in accounting, also from LaSalle University. Then in 1994, he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies, at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Deacon Stewart was a retired accountant for Sun Oil. He was also previously employed as part of the staff at Saint Edmond Parish, Philadelphia.

On June 4, 2000, Deacon Stewart was ordained by the Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. He was assigned to Saint Edmond Parish, Philadelphia, and then in 2014 to Saint Monica Parish, Philadelphia, when the two parishes merged. Between 2006 and 2012, Deacon Stewart was also appointed as the Deacon Coordinator to the Archdiocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Committee.

Deacon Stewart was the son of the late Robert and Frances (nee Davey), and brother of the late Roberta Olmi and Patricia Fusco. He is survived by his Aunt Eileen Ruchis and nieces and nephews.

Reception of the body and viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, beginning at 9:15 AM followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM, at Saint Edmond Church, 2130 South 21st Street, Philadelphia. The principal celebrant and homilist will be Reverend Joseph J. Kelley.  Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Sproul Road, Springfield.