Ronald Stewart

Ronald Stewart of Queensbury, New York, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026 with loved ones by his side. He was 93 years old.

Ron, as he was better known, was born in Glen Cove, New York to John and Mary Stewart. He was in the US Air Force (including, ironically, at Stewart Air Force base for a time) where his career in Atmospheric Science began and he continued in the field when he attended C.W. Post College (now LIU Post).

Ron was married to Wendy Isobel Nicol (d: 2001) for 40 loving years, and is survived by his three children - Jane (Rob), Beth (Andrew), and John (Sarah). He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his nieces Diane and Sandi, and Rhonda (mother of two grandchildren). Family was at the heart of all that he did, and he was happiest when family was together.

Professionally, Ron spent many years at the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC), State University of New York, where he not only shaped ASRC but conducted pioneering research in energy conservation, alternate energy (solar and wind), air pollution, and limnology, publishing over 100 scientific papers and books and retiring as the Center’s Associate Director. Ron led the team that developed and implemented an innovative solar-powered photovoltaic communications system used at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.

In “retirement,” he contributed to the private sector at AWS Scientific (now AWS Truewind), supported the leadership at Adirondack Community College (now SUNY Adirondack), and mentored multiple professionals in their chosen fields.

Ron was also an enthusiastic golfer who collected historical golf memorabilia, especially from his ancestral homeland, Scotland. Though born in the United States to Scottish immigrant parents, Ron never lost his connection to his roots - sustained by family ties, lifelong friendships, and regular trips back for the Open golf tournament.

In more recent years, he and his second love Patricia travelled to the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Alaska, and Scotland while spending many afternoons and evenings on Glen Lake in Upstate New York. These times included laughing, popping champagne bottles for distance, and boat rides – all ways in which he loved to spend time with her.

Ron lived his life with integrity, honesty, and fairness as core principles – and modeled them regularly. It is unknown how many rounds of miniature golf, or bowls of ice cream, Ron partook in – safe to say, numerous. He was first, and always, an incredible Dad, and then to his joy, PopPop to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the SUNY Adirondack Foundation, www.sunyacc.edu/give