David R. Stuart

David Robert Stuart of Sonoma, CA, left this world peacefully at home, surrounded by those who loved him most.  He faced prostate cancer with the same quiet resolve that marked his life, conquering it decades ago, then meeting it again with courage and grace.  He passed just after his 86th birthday; his will never wavered until he was sure his family would be okay.

The son of George A. and Louise F. Stuart, David grew up in the quaint town of Medfield, MA.  A boy with restless legs and a sharp mind, he would often be found at Kingsbury Pond, fishing and swimming in summer light and skating until dusk when the pond would freeze over.  He was also a talented athlete and earned his place on the football field, hockey rink and baseball diamond.  Both strength and gentleness lived easily within him.

David was an altar boy for many years at Saint Edward's Catholic Church. He was educated at Mount St. Charles Academy in Rhode Island, where he led his classmates by example, captaining all three sports and excelling in his studies.  He even made All-State as a football half back.  David carried that discipline to the University of Notre Dame as an Economics and History major and continued with sports on an intramural basis for competitive fun and camaraderie.

During his senior year, a unique opportunity presented itself that would send him far from home after graduation.  He boarded a plane for the very first time to teach in Colombia, South America.  What was intended as a year-long adventure ended up redrawing the map of his life.  He met and fell in love with Norita Puente de la Rosa, his future wife of 63 years.  Together, they built a marriage rooted in loyalty, warmth and adventure, first in Colombia, then in the coastal town of Hingham, MA where they raised four children.  Their final years were spent in Northern California, to once again be with their children and their eight grandchildren.

Influenced by his travels in South America, David built a business importing clothing and gifts, later opening shops in Quincy, Boston and Provincetown, MA.  He worked with a handshake and earned trust with his eyes; he treated suppliers as partners, customers as friends.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Norita; their children Michael (Allison), Marilu (Jim Fitzmaurice), Mark, and Michelle (Wellesley Wild); and the grandchildren who adored their "Pop"- Caroline, Isabel, Benjamin, Pablo, Lina, Maria Jose, Sebastian and Gray.  He is also survived by his sisters Loretta Collins (William) and Robin Stuart (Wade Gotcher), many nieces and nephews, and was predeceased by his brother Richard.

David loved his family fiercely.  He was endlessly curious, compassionate, generous and loyal.  He valued substance over flash.  He rooted for the quiet striver, the overlooked underdog.  His gentle presence steadied those around him, even as his life drew to a close.

The family is profoundly grateful to Hospice by the Bay and his personal caretakers.  Their professionalism, tenderness and devotion touched us to the core, just as he touched them. An intimate Celebration of Life is being planned.  Should anyone be so moved, a donation in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital – his very favorite charity.

David remains with us in the values he lived, the grace he carried and the lives he shaped.  He will be loved and remembered, always.

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