Thomas P. Stewart, 55, of New Bedford died Monday April 28, 2008 at St. Eliazbeth's Hospital after a brief illness in the arms of his loving wife surrounded by his children. He was the husband of Verna (Whitehead) Stewart; they had been married for 35 years.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Leo M. and Therese M. (O'Leary) Stewart, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Tom was employed as a steam fireman at UMass Dartmouth for the past 35 years.
He was a dedicated son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was happiest when fishing with his son Charlie and best bud, Den. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed freshwater fishing, hunting, and playing cards.
Survivors include his devoted wife; three children, Melissa Oliveira and her husband Keith of Port St. Lucie, FL, Christine Stewart and her fiance, Michael Melo and Charles Stewart, all of New Bedford; his beloved granddaughter, Ryleigh Marie Melo; his brother, James L. Stewart; and his mother-in-law, Mabel Whitehead. He is also survived by many family members and friends.
He was the brother of the late Robert S. Stewart.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 9 AM at St. Lawrence Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com