The Honorable Robert Wright Stewart, 96, of Norfolk, died peacefully of natural causes on July 20, 2026.
Born in Savannah, GA, he was the son of James Frederick Stewart and Nell Wright Stewart. His father worked for the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, requiring him to move his family between Savannah and Tidewater. Eventually the family put down deep roots in Norfolk where Judge Stewart attended J.E.B Stuart Elementary School, Blair Middle School, and Maury High School.
After receiving a scholarship, he attended the Norfolk Division of The College of William and Mary and went on to complete his education in Williamsburg at William & Mary and the Marshall-Wythe School of Law. Judge Stewart met his future wife, Martha Ann Schilt, a classmate, during their senior year of college. They married in 1953 and enjoyed 56 years together before Mrs. Stewart died in 2009.
Judge Stewart served as a captain and a judge advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps. He continued his legal career in Norfolk as an assistant city attorney and in private practice, first with Worthington, White & Harper and then as a partner with Stackhouse, Weinberg & Stewart. In 1977 he assumed the bench, serving as a judge of the Circuit Court of the City of Norfolk until his retirement.
As an advocate for innovation and reform, Judge Stewart was dedicated to the improvement of the administration of justice. During his career, some of his accomplishments included serving as a member of the Judicial Council of Virginia, chairman of the Judicial Administration Committee of the Judicial Council of Virginia, member of the Standing Committee Regarding Commissioners of Accounts, chairman of the Judicial Sentencing Guidelines Committee of the Judicial Conference of Virginia, chairman of the Family Court Advisory Committee, and faculty advisor of the National Judicial College in Reno. After his retirement in 1995, he started a system of conferences of the parties in civil cases presided over by a retired judge. This system developed by Judge Stewart is now used over the entire state.
Family, friends, and commitment were important.
Of all his accomplishments, Judge Stewart was most proud of his family. He and Mrs. Stewart had seven children: Robert W. Stewart Jr., Matthew W. Stewart, Anna E. Stewart, Jonathan S. Stewart, David G. Stewart, Sarah N. Stewart, and Mary Martha Stewart. He also delighted in being a grandfather of 11 grandchildren: Nell, Will, Emily, Anderson, Carolyn, Marshall, Emory, Sam, James, William, and Robert. For 73 years his sister-in-law, Alice S. Magee, was a dear friend and supporter. He remained friends with Beryl Adler since the two met in elementary school. The Stewart’s home in Larchmont was a welcoming place for extended family, travelers, students, musicians, and those who needed help. Literally thousands of home-cooked meals and celebrations took place at the much-loved round dining room table made by Judge Stewart.
Judge Stewart was a faithful member of Larchmont United Methodist Church and sang joyfully in the choir for over 50 years. He and Mrs. Stewart volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the WHRO Voice, reading local newspapers live on the air for people who are blind or visually impaired. As a proponent for higher education, he served as a director of the American College of Sofia in Bulgaria.
Judge Stewart was a baker known for his delicious cinnamon raisin bread that was often a Christmas gift to folks. He specialized in growing and caring for amaryllis bulbs, acquiring hundreds over the years, and sharing them with family and friends. He was a collector and appreciated the culture and artistry of oriental carpets. If he found one needing repair, he shipped the carpet off to his friend Metan in Istanbul to restore.
A highlight of his life was traveling with Mrs. Stewart to 23 countries. As ballroom dancers, the Stewarts journeyed to Buenos Aires to dance the Argentine tango. During their travels in the U.S., they especially enjoyed taking grandchildren to national parks. And the entire family has wonderful memories of summer vacations spent at Camp Nimrod in Bath County, VA.
Judge Stewart led an interesting and fulfilling life. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, generous father, loyal friend, and wise and compassionate judge.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Larchmont United Methodist Church in Norfolk.
