Lowell Alan Stewart

Lowell Alan Stewart embarked on his last ocean voyage on July 21, 2021 while friends and family wished him farewell. A veteran of the maritime industry whose career spanned nearly 40 years, he loved how his profession blended his interests in geography, economics, psychology, and more. Lowell was a lifelong learner and quintessential autodidact who sought wisdom everywhere. Lowell relished reading - about philosophy, art and culture, literature, science, theology, history and sports. He was the kind of man who was equally at home reading Ulysses and a biography of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. His friends, family, and even complete strangers could always rely on him for an engaging and challenging intellectual debate. Lowell's special passion was music, and he possessed an amazing record collection and encyclopedic knowledge of musical trivia. Delighted to share that he saw the Beatles perform when he was just eight years old, he followed the Grateful Dead on tour in his younger years, and grooved to live performances of all genres--enjoying the vibrant New Orleans music scene and attending Jazz Fest with his loved ones.

Aside from his intellectual curiosity, Lowell was known for being a fighter. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 22,1956 to the late Marilyn Stewart and Martin Stewart, raised in Brooklyn and Long Beach, and settled in New Orleans in 1984. He overcame childhood adversity and went on to launch an impressive career and raise a beautiful family. Lowell spent his last two years on earth living with ALS and demonstrated grace and humor throughout his struggles with this devastating disease. He continued to explore his wide-ranging interests during these final years and even enrolled in accounting classes shortly before his death. Lowell's perseverance, strength, love, and ability to live life to the fullest will continue to inspire all who knew him, who will miss him dearly.

Lowell had considerable professional and personal achievements, yet he viewed his family as his greatest success. He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, his two sons Zachary (Sarah Kuczynski) and Grady, his daughter Nina (Jeremy Grubman), grandson Judah Grubman, his best friend and sister Marla Stewart, and his stepmother Harriet Stewart. In his final weeks, Lowell had the immense joy of meeting his first grandchild, Judah--creating memories that will last forever. His children will always remember his warmth, support, encouragement, and endless belief in their ability to achieve their dreams. Lowell was preceded in death by his mother Marilyn Stewart and father Martin Stewart. Lowell treasured family and friendships; he will be missed by numerous friends and relatives, including his in-laws, Ellen Tidwell and David Bowden, his aunt Ruth Block, and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. May his memory be a blessing.

Lowell's family honored his memory with an intimate Celebration of Life. Condolences and memories are welcome at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lowell's honor can be made to Team Gleason at www.teamgleason.org.