Dr. Omar W. Steward

Age 86, of Mount Lebanon, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018. The middle son of Owen and Mary Steward, Omar was born in Woodbury, NJ, in May, 1932. He earned a bachelor of science from the University of Delaware and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Steward worked as research chemist for Dow Corning in Midland, MI, where he also met his beloved wife, Marilyn. Omar received a National Science Foundation Fellowship in 1962 and studied at the University of Leicester where he worked on one of the first investigations of how the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms and molecules effected certain chemical reactions. After temporary teaching positions at the University of Illinois and University Southern Illinois, Dr. Steward became a professor at Duquesne University in 1964. Forty-one years, four patents, 85 published papers, and thousands of students later, in 2005, he retired from teaching as a professor emeritus, but continued to conduct research in crystallography and mentor students. Away from the lab, Omar enjoyed a good cigar and had an encyclopedic knowledge of British bank notes. The father of three active boys, Omar joined each of them in Boy Scouts and Indian Guides in their tween years and led the family on many summer adventures. In later years, he and Marilyn visited family in Australia and the Pacific Northwest several times, and enjoyed winters in the warmer weather and nearby ocean of Florida. Professionally, an excellent scientist, a thoughtful researcher, and a congenial collaborator. Personally, much-loved husband of Marilyn Steward; devoted father of Mark, Graham (Lisa), and Brent Steward; loving brother of Owen and Frank (Jackie) Steward; affectionate grandfather of Nathaniel, Senna, Sydney, Grace, Ian, Stephen, and Connor Steward; a caring friend to many; and, in his later years, a poet. His collection of poems gave voice to his memories and perspective on chemistry, love, nature, and family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 19, 2019, in the Duquesne University Administration Building chapel in Pittsburgh. Friends and colleagues are welcome. A private graveside service will follow in Van Wert, Ohio. Arrangements by Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes.

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