Judson M. Stuart G’70 died on July 29, 2023, in Webster, New York.
(The following was provided by the Paul W. Harris Funeral Home-Rochester on August 1, 2023)
Judson Stuart died on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the age of 80. Jud is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Andrea Stuart; children, Megan (Robin) Parker, Rhett (Melody) Stuart; siblings, Trevor Stuart, Cameron (Sally) Stuart, Ellen Merigold, Karen (Ted) Williams, and Kate (Dean) Lee, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Judson Morgan Stuart was born in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, on April 30, 1943. He loved people and adventures! From visits to his Aunt Elizabeth’s farm in Canada; his family’s many moves: Cape Cod, Concord, Auburn; and his education at Wheaton and Bowdoin; he finally settled in Webster with the love of his life, Andrea, raising two children Megan and Rhett.
Jud loved Jesus and lived his life investing in others. He considered himself shy, not a people person, but one who enjoyed helping people. He inspired and encouraged.
His treasured cabin on Upper Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks was a place of respite and fun during summers off as a teacher. Upon retirement, Jud successfully pivoted from teaching high school math/computers to becoming elementary principal at Christian schools. He was ever reinventing himself and looking for the next challenge, never one to live a boring life.
In later years, Jud faithfully and consistently cared for Andrea at Cherry Ridge, visiting her multiple times daily and remaining true to the vows he made to love his bride, 58 years ago.
Those who crossed paths with Jud Stuart in his eighty years, and have known him in different seasons of his life and career, can together paint a complete picture of the man. Although on paper it can be shown he was a teacher, department chair, senior class advisor, school administrator, mathematician, house painter, builder, father of two brother, uncle, great uncle, cousin, husband of 58 years, deacon, men’s Bible study leader, involved neighbor, caregiver, it is the personal treasury of comments pouring from those who knew him even briefly that tell the real story.
His generous sharing of the family cabin, recounting harrowing tales around the campfire. Spearheading successful lively school fundraising auctions. Pet sitting his numerous guinea pigs. Patiently feeding his pet chipmunk Bob. “He was my favorite teacher.” He was the “perfect blend of prank and wisdom.”
As a math tutor, he encouraged not only finding the right answer, but understanding why it was right. Understand, not memorize. We have heard from many who had met him only once, but it made a lasting impression. Jud was not afraid to be vulnerable, admitting weaknesses but willing to learn. He provided such support for those who worked under him. “I loved sitting next to him at the Rochester Ridgemen baseball games and hashing over math problems.” “I met him when cutting his hair and he was my favorite person to see.” “He tapped me on the shoulder in a grocery store fifteen years after being my math teacher and told my four year old that he was my favorite teacher. And he was.”
And always the pencil, propped behind his left ear. Always asked for your name. Always knew you were important to him. A good and faithful servant. A man of few words but a man of valor. An example to the end. A true man of God.