STEWART – William H. Stewart, age 90 of Waterbury, formerly of Bridgeport died Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at Waterbury Hospital. Born in Rebecca, GA, to the late George W. and Lula Mae Rozier Stewart, William was a resident of Connecticut for the past forty-six years.
He was employed as a mason with various local construction companies for many years, prior to operating his own masonry company W.H. Stewart & Sons, Inc. He was a Prince Hall Mason hailing out of Tifton, GA and had local ties with Doric Lodge #4 of Bridgeport. William was a member of the East End Baptist Tabernacle Church for forty-six years and participated in many church activities, even participating in some of the masonry work around the church.
His wife, Betty Mae Board Stewart, a brother, Boise Stewart and two sisters, Georgia Lee Thomas and Clara C. Rentz predeceased him. His memory will be cherished by his children, Lillie (Leon) Richardson, William (Elizabeth) Stewart, Lessie Dawson, Jacquelyon Bell, Valencia Durbin, Veroncio (Tina) Stewart, Zann Stewart, Vernazia (Cynthia) Stewart, Anthony (Ena) Stewart and Thaddeus (Karen) Stewart; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
William was a avid sportsman, who enjoyed Fishing, Baseball, Boating and especially Bowling. He encouraged his children to participate in academics and athletics, although his upbringing in rural Georgia limited his own involvement.
Masonry and construction was another love of his, which transcended to his sons. The family became involved in the construction industry at early ages and most continue to this day. He was influential and dedicated to his trade and the patriarch of a closely knitted family.
