Robert Joseph Stewart

Robert “Bob” (Beto, Bojo) Joseph Stewart died at his home in Benson, Arizona of natural causes on September 8, 2025. He is survived by his three children and five grandchildren. He was born August 22, 1944 in Tucson, Arizona. His wife, Mary Ellen Stewart neé Critchley preceded him in death in May of 2022. 

Bob graduated from Salpointe Catholic School and spent time in seminary school to discern his vocation. He attended the University of Arizona before joining the US Navy and getting married in April of 1965. His time in the Navy and his early career meant many moves, from Arizona to California to Arizona to Texas, back to Arizona and finally settling down with his family in Benson, Arizona in 1978. Bob worked at Arizona Electric Power Cooperative for more than 30 years. He was many times over recognized for outstanding work and achievements. 

He was a bilingual English and heritage Spanish speaker; having learned Spanish from speaking with his Venezuelan mother and family at home. His father was North American of Northern European descent, and worked in Venezuela in the oil industry in the early part of the 20th century. His father died when Beto was still very young. Beto, aka Bojo and later Bob, had adult responsibilities from a young age, so providing material stability for his family was a guiding principle throughout his life. In this way, he was able to give something to his children that he had never had as a young person. 

He was a well-recognized member of the community in southeastern Arizona. You could hardly go out with Bob in Benson and Tucson before running into someone who he knew and would greet warmly. His friendships were keenly important to him, many lasting from childhood. He made a point to reach out to friends and extended family through to the end of his life. His nieces and nephews were some of his favorite people, most beloved, and he cared a great deal for the adult children of his friends. 

Bob loved being outdoors and had an affinity for both wild animals and the many domestic animal companions that he cared for throughout his life. He was a proud father and loved to travel, especially to see his family—his sister, his children, his grandchildren and his sobrinas y sobrinos. He drew on many aphorisms that emphasized his understanding of and approach to life, and he used these to give comfort, discourage worry and foster acceptance. “No te preoccupes,” “Poco a poco, se anda lejos,” “Change is the only constant,” “It’ll all come out in the wash,” and “Turn around and see how far you’ve come.” We were all in Bob’s prayers toward the end of his life. Please send those for him as he travels on.