Ralph U. Stewart – 86 – of Purdy Creek Road, Hornell (Town of Hartsville), died Monday afternoon (August 25, 2025) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing Center (formerly Hornell Gardens) following a brief illness.
Born in Oxford, PA on December 4, 1938, he was the son of Lacy & Edna ( South) Stewart.
Ralph grew up in Kentucky where as a young man was employed on a tobacco farm and later worked on a dairy farm. In 1974 he moved to Rochester where he was employed as a landscaper and heavy equipment operator for Kodak Corporation, retiring in 1998 following 24 years of service. For the past 5 years he has lived in the Hornell – Hartsville area.
An avid outdoorsman, Ralph enjoyed camping, fishing & hiking. He also enjoyed all motor sports such as stock car racing, motorcycle racing and boat racing. He especially loved helping his son build stock cars and watching him race the cars that they built together.
While living in Rochester, Ralph enjoyed rooting for the Rochester Red Wings (minor league baseball) and in recent years was a Buffalo Bills football fan (NFL).
On August 23, 1969 Ralph was married to the former Lynne A. Roth who died December 23, 2020. He was also preceded in death by 3 sisters, Helen, Vertie & Edith; and 2 brothers, Robert & Lacy Jr.
Surviving are his son, William “Bill” (Tannis) Stewart with whom he resided; 4 grandchildren, Heather (Eric) Robinson, Michael Stewart, Collin Stewart and Colten Stewart; 4 great-grandchildren, Weston Robinson, Ryder Robinson, Brynley Robinson and Jett William Stewart; along with several nieces & nephews.
At Ralph’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Ralph’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
