John Edward Stewart, Jr.

John E. Stewart, Jr., age 70, life-long resident of Merrimac, passed on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, surrounded by his wife & loving family. He was the husband of Carol A. (Bisson) Stewart, and had been married to his devoted Carol for 21 years.

Born in Kittery, Maine, November 19, 1953, he was one of three children of the late John E. and Thelma (George) Stewart and was a graduate of the former Haverhill Trade School.

John served proudly in the United States Coast Guard where he received several commendations as a result of his skills and courage. In 1979, he was awarded a Coast Guard commendation medal as a member of the SAR Air Crewman engaged in the rescue of 11 crew members of the fishing vessel, Lori Dawn, which had sunk off the coast of Cape May, NJ.

John was a self-made businessman who specialized in carpentry and automotive repair. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage in his free time, and was a true Jack of all trades.

John loved telling jokes, hunting, taking motorcycle rides, and fishing in the mouth of the Merrimack River with his good friend Bob Wells. Above all else, he loved spending time with his family on Lake Attitash. He was always there to help a neighbor, friend, or even stranger. After one interaction all who knew him referred to him fondly as “Uncle John”.

John was blessed with a very tight-knit family which spanned several generations. His life’s legacy will continue to warm the hearts of those he loved so dearly, his beloved wife, Carol; his only son, John “JC” Stewart of Amesbury; his brother, Jeffrey Stewart and wife Susan of Moncks Corner, SC; his sister, Jacquelyn Stark of Merrimac; his nieces and nephew, Jennifer Marden, Julie DeQuattro, Jessica Oskorep, Jodi Thibeau, Andrea Gaudreau & Jeffrey Stewart, Jr., his great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 10 A.M. to 12 Noon, at Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, Merrimac, MA 01860 immediately followed by a Memorial Service at the funeral home at 12 P.M. and burial at Locust Grove Cemetery, Merrimac, where he will be laid to eternal rest.