Van Raymond Stewart

Van Raymond Stewart, age 76, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 26, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Van was born on September 6, 1948 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of the late Rolland R. [Dick] and Mary Lou (Kessler) Stewart. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Anna Marie, sister-in-law Catherine A. (Raphael) Griffin, and brother-in-law Anthony T. Raphael. Van is survived by his beloved wife of over 54 years Mary Martha [Marty] (Raphael) Stewart, sons Todd A. (Madonna) and Matthew R. (Betsy) Stewart; grandchildren Mara, Matthew (Monica), Alena, Cedric, and Lyla; brother-in-law Donald H. Griffin, sister-in-law Carol L. (Bussard) Raphael, dear cousin Sheila (Kessler) Marsh (Chuck), nieces, nephews, and cousins. Van had a devout and deep lifelong faith, and was a member of Saint Joan of Arc Parish in Powell, where he was a lector and Eucharistic Minister. Previously, Van and Marty were long-time members of Saint Anthony Parish in Columbus. After earning his bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio Dominican College and while serving in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, Van began his career as a Biology and Latin teacher and football, basketball, and baseball coach serving at his High School alma mater, Saint Charles Preparatory School, Bishop Ready High School, and Franklin Heights High School, all in Columbus. He earned a Master’s in Education from Xavier University and was principal of Saint Anthony Elementary School in Columbus. After leaving the education field, Van became a Life and Health Underwriter and underwriting executive at Nationwide Insurance and Motorists Insurance in Columbus while completing graduate studies in Life and Health Insurance Underwriting. After retirement, Van enjoyed working for the grounds crew at Safari Golf Club in Powell. Van enjoyed golf, poker, Ohio State football and basketball, and his Roman Catholic faith and its history. But most of all, Van cherished his two sons and five grandchildren, attending as many of their sporting events, recitals, plays, musicals, competitions, and accomplishments as he could. His travels to support his family took him around Ohio and across the country and his grandchildren would frequently see their biggest fan, ‘Papaw,’ in the front row. He and Marty also traveled the globe and cherished their pilgrimages to the Holy Land and Italy. Van was a faithful friend. He organized reunions and kept in touch with friends around the country. He was the one who would always reach out when a friend needed something or even just to say hi and catch up on what they had done last week. He will especially miss his closest friend of 70 years, Jack Miceli. Van’s family wishes to express their appreciation to the doctors and nurses at Mount Carmel St. Anne’s Hospital in Westerville. They gave Van the best chance that they could at recovery. As was often the case in Van’s life, however, Van followed God’s plans for him and we are grateful that Van’s mission and ministry are complete and he has returned home. Visitation and prayer service to celebrate Van’s life will be held on Sunday, March 9, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Monday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 10700 Liberty Road South in Powell. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you donate in Van’s name to the Stewart Family Fund, which supports scholarships at Saint Francis DeSales High School and other schools and charities at https://www.iphiview.com/tcf/GiveNow/GiveOnline/tabid/838/dispatch/contribution_id$64341_hash$3472c0dc435ed80adbc945a9fb4eb27733a6d4e0/Default.aspx or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at https://t2t.org. .

Van Raymond Stewart

September 6, 1948 - February 26, 2025