Dennis Edward Stewart
April 11, 1947 ~ April 13, 2022
Born in:
Steelton, PA
Resided in:
Norcross, GA
Dennis Edward Stewart was born April 11, 1947, in Steelton, Pennsylvania to James and Loretta Stewart. Dennis attended Steelton-Highspire High School where he was a high school basketball all-American. He obtained his undergraduate degree in social psychology and graduate degree in public health from the University of Michigan.
Dennis was a standout college basketball player, winning multiple awards and finishing his career as a top 25 all-time leading scorer in University of Michigan basketball history.
Dennis was drafted into the NBA in 1969 to the Phoenix Suns. During his professional basketball career, he played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Baltimore Bullets, the American Basketball Association (ABA), Continental Basketball Association (CBA) where he was selected as a CBA all-star in ’71-72 (averaging 31 points per game), and the Eastern League. Dennis also played abroad in France, winning the French league Best Scorer title in 1974 while averaging 33.5 pts per game. His professional basketball career spanned from 1969-1979.
After his professional basketball career, Dennis began a distinguished and award-winning career in public health and sales which spanned more than 35 years. Dennis was the proud and devoted father of two children, Jason-Dennis and Britt Denise. He spent many hours supporting their academic and athletic endeavors, serving as their youth sports coach, mentor, and #1 fan.
Dennis had a one-of-kind sense of humor, a generous spirit, and would start up a conversation with anyone. He was a community mentor and coach to countless children and young adults who have gone on to positive and productive members of society. To know him meant that you were in for some good laughs and some spirited debates about any topic under the sun.
Dennis was well respected by all and enjoyed playing pickup basketball well into his 50s. Even after he finally hung up his sneakers, you could still find him at the gym watching pickup games, fellowshipping with other players, and adding his unique brand of trash talking to the festivities. Dennis is forever a “hooper” at heart.
Dennis celebrated 75 years of life before his passing on April 13, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Loretta Stewart, and his brother, Michael Stewart.
Dennis Stewart is survived by his sisters – Joann Willoughby and Karen Willis, son – Jason-Dennis Stewart (Shivar), daughter – Britt Stewart, and grandchildren – Jaxon James, Shiloh Sarah, and Lyra Seline.
Services
Memorial Service: April 23, 2022 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-277-4550
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Sending heartfelt condolences to Jason, Britt and family. May God give you comfort during this turbulence.
Dear Family and friends of Dennis Stewart,
It is with deep sorrow that learned about the recent passing of my friend and basketball teammate. As many are aware, Dennis was a great basketball player in high school, college and professionally with many different teams. It was one of the thrills of my life to be able to play with him, once his professional career had ended, but he was clearly the most talented player on the court. Dennis could be very demanding of his teammates to raise their skills. May God comfort and bless his family and friends. God is our refuge and strength my friend. Rest in his peace and power.
May God be with the Family , I work with Dennis years ago lost touch after leaving Minolta.
I was saddened to hear the news of the passing of my former friend and teammate, Dennis Stewart. My condolences go out to his family. It was my honor and privilege to have played with Dennis during his time at the University of Michigan and later with the CBA’s Grand Rapids Tackers. He was a great competitor in everything he tried and even better friend and role model. Although we had lost touch over the years, I still remember the encouragement and confidence he instilled in me during my sophomore year on the University of Michigan basketball squad. May his family cherish their shared memories of their time with him. May he rest in peace.
Condolences to the Family
Dacey Colbert (Steelton-Highspire class of ’64), Indiana University
The Bessemer Street Thomas family sends our thoughts and prayers of comfort. David, Shirley and Barbara Thomas.
This takes me back to some of the good old SHHS hey days when SH ruled the courts – fond memories of the late, great Marty Benkovic and cheers of “Steel-High to the Farm Show, Olé, Olé” ringing out. Dennis was quite the player and quite the gentle man. (Gentleman) He will always be remembered as one of Steel High’s greatest basketball players. Condolences to his family and his extended SH family and the CO ‘65 classmates.
I had the pleasure of playing with Dennis at the University of Michigan from `1966 to 1968. Dennis was a terrific player in all aspects of the game. My senior year I was elected captain and he, along with now Hall of Famer, Rudy Tomjanovich, provided a formidable scoring punch finishing the season as the 6th, 7th and 8th scorers in the Big Ten. Dennis was a kind and introspective person. I was saddened to hear of his recent passing even though I had not seen him for a significant period of time. My condolences go to his family.
Sending you both so much love during this time. During the quiet times may you find peace and laughter in the memories. I only met your dad a few times, but remember him to be a remarkable man and always loved his sense of humor. Here for you both!
Love Kena & Kris
Your dad was a great friend and over the many years we shared in his life journey.
I know he would want the two of you to carry it on!
We are here if you need anything!
Our prayers and thoughts are with you!
Rest Peacefully My Friend.
Respectfully,
Donald and Jerri Elder
My condolences to the Stewart Family. Dennis and I were classmates and teammates in football. He had the most pleasant personality and a great sense of humor. His basketball skills will remain legendary at Steel-High and Michigan. He will be sorely missed.