Robert S. Stewart

      Robert S. (Bob) Stewart, age 82 of Canton, passed away Monday, February 5, 2018. He was born on November 29, 1935 in Wheeling, West Virginia. Bob was a graduate of New Cumberland High School, and continued his education at West Virginia University. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during the Korean Conflict and awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He was a member of Christ the Servant Catholic Parish the American Legion Post #44 and the VFW. "Stew " retired in 1998 from the Canton Repository after 42 years; 28 of which he worked as the Sports Editor. After his retirement, he enjoyed serving as an AARP income tax volunteer for more than 10 years.

      He received many awards through the years, these included: Northeast Ohio Chapter National Football Foundation Ohio Sports Writer of the Year, Lifetime Membership Award from Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association, Canton Negro Old-timers Athletic Association Community Service Award in 1980, Greater Canton Aquatics Association Service Award in 1990 and the Canton Negro Old-timers Athletic Association Special President's Award in 1999.

      Also lifetime honors included: Ohio Prep Sports Writers Hall of Fame in 1996, Greater Stark County Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Stark County Amateur Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.

    Bob was a member of: Associated Press Sports Editors, Baseball Writers Association of America, Basketball Writers Association of America, Golf Writers Association of America, Greater Canton Writers Guild, International Network of Golf, Ohio Associated Press Sports Writers, Ohio High School Athletic Association Media Advisory Committee, Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association, Pro Football Writers Association of America and the Society of American Baseball Research.

      Bob was preceded in death by his birth mother Wilma Rine; adoptive parents Donald G. and Elsie Stewart; and step-mother Mary Stewart. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Janet (Schott) of the home; six children Robert D. Stewart of Uniontown, Randal L. (Jodi) Stewart of Concord, NC, Richard P. (Shelly) Stewart of Canton, Rodney L. (Mindy) Stewart of Willmington, OH, Ryan D. Stewart (Lezlie) of Canton, Roger A. (Erika) Stewart of North Canton. Also survived by 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters Doris Rice of Poland, OH, Joyce (Andy) Weisal of Wheeling, WV, Janice Gilcrest of Bryan, TX, Becky Miller of Wheeling, WV; and Robert (Uncle Bob) Rine of Wheeling, WV.

      The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Hospice. Family and friends will be received at the Rossi Family Funeral Home on Friday evening from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday morning in the funeral home from 9 to 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday 10:30 a.m. at Christ the Servant Catholic Parish (Our Lady of Peace), with Msgr. Lewis Gaetano as celebrant. Interment will be held, with military honors, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Lung Association, or the Veteran's Organization of your choice.

Rossi (330) 492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com

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