PORTER- William “Bill” Herbert Stewart, age 92, of Porter, ME, left this world on June 14th, 2025, of natural causes. William was born in Bangor, Maine on May 12, 1933, as son of Herbert and Emma Stewart of Porter, ME.
William was married to his childhood sweetheart, Margaret “Peggy” Vivian Stewart for 62 years.
William started working at age 12 logging in the woods of Maine. He proudly shared stories of his years spent bricklaying, working on the original Huggins Hospital, and since then, he has started several businesses. While residing in Londonderry, he worked with all his sons, teaching them the craft of roofing, siding, and building, which they all carried on throughout their lifetime. After moving back to Maine in 1973, they purchased, restored and ran the Melvern Hotel in Kezar Falls for a few years before relocating in 1975 to the family property in Porter. Most recently, he and his wife, Margaret, created a well-known local business, Stewart’s Bargain Barn.
Bill’s greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also had a love of music, especially bluegrass and was self-taught on several instruments, including the guitar, piano, accordion and harmonica. He also loved to read National Geographic, Irish limericks, spending hours junkin’ with family and friends by his side and drinking coffee, while sitting underneath his apple tree.
He is predeceased by his wife, Margaret V. Stewart, his sons Leslie W. Stewart of New Boston, NH, Daniel G. Stewart of Manchester, NH and Philip J. Stewart of Effingham, NH, his daughter, Gail A. Veilleux of Portland, ME. Also predeceased by his grandchildren Kellin Stewart, Jason Snyder, Justin Kennie and daughter in-law Lisa Stewart.
William is survived by his son Garland and his wife Robin Stewart of Londonderry, NH, Janice Stewart of Laconia, NH, Jaunetta Stewart of Ravenna, OH, Rebecca and her husband Jeremy Hardin of Effingham, NH; twenty three grandchildren, Melissa, Christine, Mark, Nicole, Adam, Jonathan, Caitlyn, Mandi, Jessica, Alica, Donald, Scott, Eric, Billiejo, Glenn, Jillian, Jamie, Avery, Julia, Meagan, Isaiah, Haven, Lyra; twenty four Great Grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 19th at 2pm at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St. Cornish, ME, with visiting hours from 1pm to 2pm. Burial will follow at the Porter Village Cemetery. There will be a gathering in Wakefield following the services for those who would like to attend; details to follow.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of Wiliam Stewart, to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.