It is with great respect and gratitude that we honor the life and legacy of Donald Charles Stewart, the founding partner of Stewart Technologies, Inc. Don passed away on August 11, 2025.
Don was a humble man of few words. When he spoke, you listened. His quiet leadership and steady vision built the foundation on which Stewart Technologies stands today. He believed deeply in people and their potential — values that continue to guide us in how we work, lead, and care for our clients and each other.
Don was born on March 28, 1948 in Philadelphia, PA. As a young man, Don proudly served in the U.S. Army after graduating from Duvall High School in 1966. Don went on to study at Penn State and graduated from the University of Maryland in 1973. He remained a lifelong Penn State fan, his children’s alma mater.
After college, Don acquired his CPA designation and was a successful entrepreneur who was recognized and respected throughout the community. He ultimately gained a reputation as a tax expert and — true to form — was generous with sharing that knowledge with those who might need assistance.
In 1977, he formed the accounting firm Stewart & Waddel and, in 1987, founded Stewart Technologies, Inc.
Among his professional accomplishments Don won a Technology Award from the Maryland Association of CPAs in 1998. His crowning achievements, however, were being a mentor and friend to those who admired and respected him.
Kristy Mumma, CISO at Stewart Technologies, put it this way:
“Don gave us an opportunity,” said Kristy. “ We were young when Tara and I joined the firm, and he guided us, but also gave us room to grow, make mistakes, learn, and ultimately to shine. We are grateful for the opportunities he provided and the core business values he instilled in us: being humble, being enterprising, and being service-minded.”
Tara Schinkel, CFO at Stewart Technologies, began her journey with Stewart Tech as an intern in 1998 and, with Don’s guidance and encouragement, became partner in 2004. We invite you to read her recent tribute to Don on LinkedIn.
We continue to feel Don’s influence every day — guiding how we approach our work, support our clients, and mentor our team. We owe a deep debt of gratitude for the strong foundation he built, his trust, and his invaluable mentorship.
Don’s legacy lives on in his beloved wife Paulette Mademann Stewart and his two children Suzanne Giangrasso (Dominick) and Michael Stewart (Linda) from his marriage to Christine Goddard Baker, his grandchildren Dominick and Brennan Giangrasso and Kathryn and Ryan Stewart, his siblings Jeffrey Stewart (Beth), Joanne Zachrel (Arnold), brother-in-law David Mademann and nieces and nephews.
