Stew Leonard’s founder dies at 93

Independent East Coast grocery retailer Stew Leonard’s announced on Thursday that its founder, 93-year-old Stew Leonard, Sr., died Wednesday in New York following a brief illness.

“We are sad to announce that Stew Leonard, Sr., the founder of Stew Leonard’s, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York,” store officials announced on LinkedIn. 

Leonard opened the first Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk, Connecticut, in December 1969, stocking just eight items. Today, Stew Leonard’s is a $600 million family-owned-and-operated business with seven grocery stores on the East Coast and more than 2,500 employees.

Known for giving back to the community, Leonard was also a member of many local groups, including the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce.

Leonard is best remembered for standing at Stew Leonard’s front door to greet customers, oftentimes by name. “He loved giving back to the community and had a giving heart,” the grocery retailer said on its website.  

Tributes for Leonard began to pour in on social media, including Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont who tweeted: “I’m saddened to hear this news. Stew founded an iconic Connecticut business that is more than a grocery store—it’s a place where thousands of families have created memories over several generations. My heart goes out to the entire Leonard family and everyone at Stew Leonard’s.”

The company is now run by Leonard's son, Stew Leonard, Jr. with help from his siblings Tom Leonard, Beth Leonard Hollis and Jill Leonard Tavello. 

Leonard, Sr., is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marianne Guthman Leonar, their four children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The memorial service and burial will be private. A celebration of life will be announced later.

Donations in Leonard’s memory may be made to the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, a 501C3 charity which helps to fund swimming lessons for children in need. The charity was founded in honor of his grandson, who drowned in 1989. Cards to the family can be sent to 100 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.