BY ANN GENADER
WEST MILFORD — In announcing the sudden death of Alfred (Fred) Stewart on Nov. 6, Police Chief Tim Storbeck conveyed the shock, disbelief and sadness of the community — and the personal grief felt by so many people. He was known and respected by so many who worked and served with him, said Storbeck.
“The entire community is in mourning,” said Storbeck. “He was a great guy who was willing to help anyone.”
The police chief said that Stewart, a West Milford firefighter since 1964, was pronounced dead at his beloved fire house after a fall from a ladder. He was 79 years old.
Township Administrator Antoinette Battaglia ordered the flag to be flown at half mast. She joined the others in praising Stewart for his concern for others and his service to the township.
Born on Jan. 14, 1937, Stewart lived in West Milford for 53 years. He started working for the township as a fire inspector in May 1980. In addition to his duties as a fire inspector, Stewart also served as deputy fire commissioner for the municipality.
As a volunteer firefighter, he served as lieutenant, deputy chief, assistant chief and fire chief for West Milford Company 6.
Carol DenHeyer worked with Stewart in the West Milford Fire Bureau since February of 2006 before transferring from the Planning Department. In sharing her thoughts with the West Milford Messenger that the Fire Bureau was located in the basement of the town hall across from the Building/Planning Department — but could not remember when the department moved to its present location in the Johner building.
“I came here to work with Mike (Woch) and Fred (Stewart) when Marie Daffin was retiring,” said DenHeyer. “I got to know Fred quite well — working with him three days a week (he was part-time). I always said he was my ‘girlfriend’ at work since there were no other females here to talk to.”
She said he loved to eat and drink and could tell one where to dine and what to order at any particular restaurant.
“He enjoyed sharing recipes and telling me what was on sale at ShopRite,” recalled his pal DenHeyer. “On his day off, sometimes he went to BJ’s and/or Bottle King and would call me at work to see if I wanted him to pick anything up.”
DenHeyer said not only was Fred a good friend at work, but also socially.
“We had our own way of getting along and sometimes ‘arguing’ but we trusted each other and could talk about anything,” she continued. “People were sometimes amused listening to us. Fred was always willing to listen and give his advice. You could pretty much ask him about anything and he would have something to share. I would bust his chops about certain foods he would eat and smell and he made fun of me for that.”
She said Stewart was constantly losing things.
“I would tell him, ‘It’s a good thing it is attached or you would lose it!” she said. “Not too long ago he stole my shopping cart in ShopRite with my pocketbook in it — just to scare me.”
DenHeyer shared that most of all Fred loved his family — especially his wife, Linda, who he would do anything for.
“West Milford and the world have lost one of the best,” she said. “I’m proud to have known him and will miss my work buddy and friend.”
Stewart is survived by his wife, Linda (Nicholas) Stewart; his sons Richard of West Milford and Alfred of Jefferson Township; his daughters Debra Struble of Manchester, Kimberly Holstrom of West Milford and Karen Lupinacci of Gainsville, Florida; his sister Jan Messina of Texas, 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
For a full obituary, go to page 16. And go to westmilfordmessenger.com to share your stories of Stewart.