Public Wake To Be Held In Honor Of Stew Leonard's Founder

NORWALK, CT — A public wake will be held in Norwalk to honor Stew Leonard Sr., the founder of the Stew Leonard's supermarket chain who died Wednesday at the age of 93.

Stew Leonard's Spokesperson Meghan Bell said the public wake will take place Monday, May 1, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Matthew's Church, located at 216 Scribner Avenue.

The store announced the senior Leonard's passing Thursday afternoon on the store's website and Facebook page, along with an obituary detailing his life and career.

See also: 'World's Largest Dairy Store' Founder Stew Leonard Sr. Dies At 93

Both state and local officials paid tribute to Leonard on Thursday, noting the legacy he leaves behind and the important role his stores have played in their communities.

"[Stew Leonard's] has always gone above and beyond for our community, leading holiday events, charity fundraisers and food drives for those in need," Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said in a statement sent to Patch. "We can't thank Stew Leonard Sr. enough for his lasting contributions to Norwalk that he has passed on to his family to carry on. The city of Norwalk sends our deepest condolences to the Leonard family as they mourn this tremendous loss."

A Westport resident, Leonard was born in Norwalk on Dec. 1, 1929. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marianne Guthman Leonard, and their four children, as well as 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family-owned business operates stores in seven locations, including Norwalk, Danbury and Newington, as well as New York and New Jersey. The company is currently run by Leonard's son, Stew Jr., with help from his siblings Tom Leonard, Beth Leonard Hollis and Jill Leonard Tavello.

Leonard opened the flagship Norwalk store in 1969, which became known as the "World's Largest Dairy Store" by Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Read his full obituary here.