San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)

Stewart Dimon

07/25/1927 - 01/29/2024

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“Born to Teach”

“Born to Lead” Stewart went to live with the Lord on January 29, 2024. He joins his beloved wife Alice, his son Stewart John, his parents Burt and Nida and his sister, Muriel, in Heaven. He leaves behind his daughter Jeanne, his daughter-in-law Diana, and his grandchild­ren Matthew and Morgan.

Though he was stricken with polio at a young age, Stewart never let his illness (or anything else, for that matter) prevent him from enjoying his life. He grew up in the Mission District of San Francisco and spent his youth playing with the boys in his neighborho­od. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Stewart was a competitiv­e bowler, an avid swimmer, and, for a brief time, a minor league baseball player. Stewart remained a faithful fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers throughout his life.

Stewart attended UC Berkeley, graduating in 1949 with a degree in Secondary Education in Biology and Chemistry. He later returned to Berkeley to get his Masters in School Administra­tion in 1956.

Stewart began his career teaching biology and chemistry at PolyTech High School in San Francisco. As a teacher, Stewart saw how much of an impact he could have on the lives of his students. Stewart’s commitment to his students led him to pursue a career in school administra­tion. Stewart served as vice principal and later principal of Crestmoor High School in San Bruno. He then went on to be vice principal at Aragon High School in San Mateo and he eventually became principal of San Mateo High School for many years.

Later in his career, Stewart turned his attention to adult education. He accepted a position as Director of the

San Mateo Adult School, which was the frst adult school of its kind in California. In 1994, he was instrument­al in developing the San Mateo Adult Resource Technology (SMART) Center for adult education. The SMART Center was the frst adult school that had its own facility in the state of California. Stewart’s involvemen­t in the SMART Center marked a turning point in adult education for the whole state.

Stewart was a humble, compassion­ate man who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. Even though he was offered the opportunit­y, Stewart refused to have his name noted on the dedication plaque at the Adult School. He smiled and said that the school wasn’t for him; it was for the students and the faculty.

Above all else, Stewart loved his family. Stewart met Alice in 1947 and fell in love with her instantly. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on June 9, 1950. They shared 67 years of glorious marriage and they had many adventures together. Their favorites were taking cruises together and going to Lake Tahoe.

Stewart’s commitment to his family was unquestion­able. His proudest moments were watching his children and grandchild­ren pursue and achieve their dreams.

Dad and Grandpa, your love for us was so very special. We love you and will miss you forever.

Jeanne, Diana, Matthew and Morgan

A Celebratio­n of Life will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at First Presbyteri­an Church of Burlingame, 1500 Easton Dr, Burlingame, at 2:30 pm.

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