Age 98, of Haddonfield, NJ.

Charles Henry "Ab" Stewart, a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, died on September 2, 2023, surrounded by family. A longtime resident of Haddonfield and Stratford, Charlie (affectionately known to many as "Ab" and to his family as "Pops") was born at his Pennsauken home on July 15, 1925, to Oscar and Florence (Henry) Stewart. Ab was raised with his siblings Oscar ("Reds"), Edith, Mildred, and Bessie ("Betty") in Barrington and Oaklyn, and graduated from Collingswood High School in 1943. He was drafted in September 1943, chose the Navy, and served on the USS Cheleb supply ship in the Pacific Theatre until June 1946, after the war had ended. He continued his education on the GI Bill, attending the NJ State Teachers College at Glassboro and then graduating from Rider College in Trenton.

In 1952, Ab married Lois Maxwell of Oaklyn. They first met on a two-couple blind date - and Lois was with the other guy. They raised their children, Brian, Craig, and Julie in Stratford, where Ab helped start Cub Scouts Pack 222, which continues to this day. After 22 years of marriage, Lois Maxwell Stewart died in 1974 at the age of 44.

In 1977, Ab married Lois Thompson Gilbert of Haddon Township and they moved their blended family to a larger Stratford home. Ab shared Lois's passion for antiques, her Yesteryear Shop in Collingswood, and yard sales. In 1983 they moved to Haddonfield. After almost 27 years of marriage, Lois Thompson Gilbert Stewart died in 2004.

As a teenager, Ab worked at his father's grocery store in Oaklyn Manor, delivered flyers for the Ritz Theater, and set pins at the Oaklyn bowling alley. He and his first wife Lois bowled in a mixed-doubles league for many years and, with their children, enjoyed frequent fishing and crabbing excursions. Their family trips in their pop-up camper took them to the hills of Pennsylvania, the mountains of New England, the 1964 World's Fair in New York, Expo '67 in Montreal, and many other destinations.

Ab was an avid golfer and lifelong dog lover, and was known for his often groan-inducing sense of humor - he was always ready with a bad joke!

He worked for 45 years at the law firm of Dubois, Hamilton, Sheehan, and DuBois in Camden as their accountant and office manager. In his retirement, Ab volunteered on the historic Battleship USS New Jersey, helping with the ship's restoration and eventually becoming a docent, giving tours to visitors from all over the world.

Ab was preceded in death by his two wives, Lois Maxwell Stewart and Lois Thompson Gilbert Stewart, his parents, and his siblings.

Ab is survived by his sons Brian, Craig (Jeanne) and Tom Gilbert (Anne Marie), and daughters Julie Gilak (Greg) and Cindy Kelly (Jim), his grandchildren Max, Grace & Jack, Charlie (Julia) & Lucy Gilak, Jimmy (Jessica) & Kara Kelly, and Tori Gilbert Sullivan (Zach), Becky & Tommy Gilbert, and his great-grandchildren Emilia & Cameron, Marc & Jules, and James. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Wilma Maxwell Gray (Ed) and by many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by many of his much loved and enjoyed "second family", the volunteers of the Battleship USS New Jersey. Especially in his later years, Ab was appreciative and very proud of the various tributes he received as a Veteran, including participating in an Honor Flight to Washington DC, and the hero's recognition of his service that he always received from his friends at Mission BBQ in Deptford.

Ab was fortunate to have wonderful Haddonfield neighbors. One of his greatest desires was to remain in his home until the end. Meeting that goal required a lot of assistance over the years and his children are eternally grateful to those neighbors for keeping an eye on him and helping him along.

In accordance with his wishes, interment at Lakeview Memorial Park in Cinnaminson will be private.

Arrangements by the FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, Collingswood and Audubon, NJ.