Col. Gerald C. Stewart, 71, of Cranston, a Retired Colonel of the Rhode Island National Guard, died Thursday, December 26, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Annette C. (Nardella) Stewart, to whom he was married for 50 years. Born in White Plains, NY, May 30, 1942, he was the son of the late Peter Frances and Mary (Moriarty) Stewart. He is survived by his brother Frances of Benicia, CA and sister of the late Virginia Shrine of Jacksonville, FL.
He was a graduate of Johnson and Wales University, Bachelor of Arts and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. COL. Stewart served in the Rhode Island Guard and National Army for 37 years with 2 combat tours, one in Vietnam and one in Desert Storm. His assignments included Platoon Sergeant in Vietnam 1968-1969, Company Commander, various staff officer positions and Battalion Commander, 118th Military Police Battalion in Desert Storm. In his 37 year career, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, two Bronze stars (Vietnam and Desert Storm), Meritorious Service Medal, Saudi Arabia, Kuwaiti and Southwest Asian Liberation Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Rhode Island Star and the Rhode Island Emergency Service Medal.
In addition to his wife he leaves three children, his son LTC. Richard Stewart of Charlestown, and two daughters, Doreen Assanti and her husband Robert and Susan Aceto and her husband Luigi both of Cranston, five grandchildren, Richard, Michael, Stephanie, Adriana, and Antonio.
His funeral will be held on Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston. Burial with Military Honors will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS will be Monday from 4 – 8 p.m.
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