In Memoriam: Former Longtime Fair Havenite, RFH ’58 Grad, Navy Vet, Harvey Stewart, 80

Former longtime Fair Havenite, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) graduate and U.S. Navy vet, Harvey Stewart, more recently of Long Branch, passed away peacefully on Jan. 29. He was 80.

A lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore, Harvey lived in Fair Haven for 45 years and in Long Branch for the past 35. An RFH Class of 1958 graduate, he also graduated from Paul Smith’s College, where he received a degree in Forest Engineering. He enlisted in the Navy in 1962 and served two tours in Vietnam.

Harvey Stewart
Photo/family via Thompson Memorial Home

“He was a dedicated board member of the Sea Bright Beach Club and was a member of distinction at Sea Bright Tennis Club. A gifted athlete and team player in every respect, Harvey enjoyed tennis year-round, on grass, clay, hard court, and paddle. Off-shore sport fishing and body surfing were also two of Harvey’s passions, and in all of his pursuits he cultivated deep and lifelong friendships. He was a member of the colorful, Pocono Dopes — a raucous boys weekend disguised as a fishing club. At work, at play, and while sharing time with family and friends, Harvey brought tremendous heart, energy and dedication to all that he did, and always with a megawatt smile. He loved life deeply, as a husband, a dad, a grandfather, and a friend who was always there for you, especially if you happened to have four legs and a furry tail. Harvey embodied the values of a committed man throughout his life. Always a gentleman he brought thoughtfulness and dignity to all aspects of his personal and professional life. His motto was, ‘If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right.’
He lived by his values and loved his Buicks.”

Professionally, Harvey’s career spanned more than 30 years with Philip J. Bowers, a real estate firm that built many office complexes, including the development of the Red Bank Airport, the building of City Centre in Red Bank and New Shrewsbury Racquet Club in Tinton Falls.

Harvey is predeceased by: his parents, Alva David Stewart Jr. and Ruth Wheelock Stewart; and his sister, Lucy McDevitt.

He is survived by: his wife of 33 years, Martha Chamberlain; his children, Hilary Stewart, of Los Angeles, Zach Stewart, of Neptune, Jamie Stewart, of Florida; stepson, Alex Chernoff, of Long Branch; and cherished grandchildren, Chloe, Dylan, Brady, Matthew, Jake, Christopher, McKenzie, Emily and Logan.

A mass of christian burial will be celebrated by the Reverend Hank Hilton on Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., at the Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lunch Break, 121 Drs. Parker Blvd, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home