Terry Stewart, Sr.

Mr. Terry Wayne “Stewie” Stewart, Sr, 77, also lovingly known as “The Godfather” by his peers and colleagues, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his Elkhart home on Thursday, April 18, 2019.

He was born in Elkhart on Dec. 23, 1941 to the late Weldon W. and Kathleen (Fasgic) Stewart and later married Mary Catherine Trovatore in Elkhart on Aug. 20, 1960. She survives at home after 58 wonderful years together.

Also surviving is his daughter Jenny Gregorich and sons Timothy Stewart and Terry Stewart, Jr. and grandsons Gage Stewart, Brian Gregorich and Mason Wimmer.

Terry’s life will be celebrated with a Memorial Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1331 N. Main St., Elkhart on Thursday, Apr. 25, 2019 at 12:00 noon with a visitation beginning at 10 am. The Elkhart Fire Department will render Firefighter’s Honors following the mass and Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart have been assisting the family.

“The Godfather” was a nearly 36 year veteran of the Elkhart Fire Department. Between Station 4 and Central, where Terry spent most of his time, he left a legacy of friendships and mentoring, always assuring that the younger firefighters received the training needed to carry out their duty and come home safely. The other nickname the firefighters tagged Terry with was “St. Francis” because he loved feeding the birds and squirrels, who were trained to tap on the station’s windows to come in and get a peanut. This pastime carried over to his home as well, where he was a fastidious and fanatical lawn and yardwork devotee, often spending many hours manicuring his yard. He was also a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church of Elkhart and enjoyed spending time with his buddies down at the IARA, taking long walks with his beloved Mary, vacationing in Florida, and spending his falls hunting pheasant and going to Mackinac Island.

Memorial donations may be given to Cancer resources for Elkhart County or to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

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