Obituary for Robert R. "Rob" Stuart Jr.
It is with tremendous sadness we announce the passing of Robert “Rob” R. Stuart, Jr., a wonderful partner, father, son, brother, and friend. He left this world suddenly on Friday, October 14, 2022, at the age of 51.
Rob was born in Worcester to his loving parents, Robert R. Stuart, Sr. and Marina (Despres) Stuart of Auburn. Rob was the “baby” of the Stuart family having 3 older siblings. Being the “baby” didn’t always allow him to escape the sibling banter they all shared but he grew up forming loving friendships with each of them and always appreciated their support throughout the years.
Rob attended Auburn High School where he graduated with the Class of 1989. He played for the golf team and it was said he was so good at golf he could’ve been a professional.
Rob chose a different path however once he acquired his entrepreneurial spirit early on as child. It presented itself when he and his good friends decided to take over a paper route. Then, from there, he took the leap into landscaping and from 1986-1988 when he worked for a dear friend’s company called Eagle Landscaping. Rob then decided to branch out with one partner and friend from 1988-1992 of which began the use of the Evergreen name. Rob started his dream with a weed whacker, a walk-behind lawnmower, and a “stolen” trailer. Rob eventually in 1992 went solo and with $500 bought his first commercial mower, placed flyers on windows of vehicles in parking lots, used word of mouth and with having a strong belief in himself started on the path to making his dream come true. With an incredible work ethic and that same entrepreneurial spirit, he established an incredible full-service lawn and landscape maintenance business. This company has come to be known today as Evergreen Lawn Maintenance and Landscape Corp. of which Rob owned and operated for over 30+ years. He amassed a very large customer base, which has continued to grow year after year as a result of his dedication and eagerness to provide the best quality service and customer care. Rob was very humble and proud as he would look back at the road that got him to where he was today. We were all, in fact, in amazement right there with him seeing his growth and many business accomplishments and milestone achievements. Rob through his journey, never ever forgot and always appreciated the hard work and dedication of the Evergreen “family” of employees who assisted in his success.
Rob leaves behind Colleen Ann Wesgan, of Leicester, his “person” he chose 24 years ago at a college graduation party. He walked over to a keg they were both standing at and asked to buy her drink. It was with that “charm” and his smile he was able to develop a partnership with the love of his life and best friend with whom he shared 3 children. Their story was written with imperfections. It wasn’t a fairytale or storybook novel, but it was their story of togetherness, support, mutual respect, and a deep love and admiration for one another through and through.
Rob’s children, Ryan Matthew Stuart, Gabrielle Rose Stuart, Shane Robert Stuart, are the best parts of Rob. He loved and adored each one of them so so much. His kids were his world. All their hugs and kisses brought many smiles to his face. Rob always wanted the best for his children and he loved them no matter what and was so so proud of the amazing people they were becoming.
He was elated to have Ryan working by his side at Evergreen for the last couple years. It meant the world to him to see one of his children following in his passion. Rob also enjoyed taking many ski trips with his daughter, Gabrielle. He also loved being silly and jumping into TikTok’s with her and her friends. He absolutely adored watching Shane play basketball. Rob was always anxious for the new basketball season to start so he could sit in the stands, cheer his little buddy on, and be his biggest fan. Rob loved his family with all of his heart.
He loved all of his many many friends dearly. He was “that guy” who would give you the shirt off his back and put a beer in your hand. He was certainly a one of kind guy who wore his heart on his sleeve. He loved to watch the Patriots with anyone who would join him. Rob was also all about his “parties” and if you never attended one, you missed out. They came equipped with laughter, love, music, and we can’t forget to mention the fireworks. To know Rob was to love him and all of his “Rob-isms”. He had a way about him that made you roll your eyes, shake your head, question him with the “what did you just say” -- to his “positive” tone when he would answer the phone - “what” --- He made us laugh so hard and Rob was…well….Rob…which says it all.
He adored his pets. He had quite an attachment with his Siberian huskies. We all thought one day Rob would be telling us he formed an Evergreen “sled dog” team since, at one time, he had 4 running around in the yard. Rob was their “pack” leader, the alpha dog, and they loved him so much.
Rob had a passion for sports cars and eventually fulfilled his dream of owning one of his favorites, a Stingray Corvette. He enjoyed cruising around in the “vette” on nice sunny days with the top down. He seemed to have a certain “swagger” when it came to driving his corvette and we all loved him for it.
Rob was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Robert Newman. He is survived by his parents, Marina and Robert “Bob” Stuart of Auburn, MA, his sister, Deborah E. Newman of Fredericksburg, VA, his brother Michael R. Stuart and husband Germano (Weiderman) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, his brother Mark A. Stuart and wife Stephanie (Perry) of Oxford, MA and his nieces and nephews, Samantha, Tyler, Kelsey, Matthew, Alexandra, and Ashley, and his great-niece, Lily; along with aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many, many close friends.
We all wish we had more time to share with Rob, we will think of him forever and always and treasure all the amazing wonderful memories we have made. WE LOVE YOU ROB!
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org/donate) .
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Stuart family from 4 – 8 PM on Friday, October 28th at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central St., Auburn.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, October 30th at J. Anthony's Italian Grill, 917 Southbridge Street, Auburn.
Rob was born in Worcester to his loving parents, Robert R. Stuart, Sr. and Marina (Despres) Stuart of Auburn. Rob was the “baby” of the Stuart family having 3 older siblings. Being the “baby” didn’t always allow him to escape the sibling banter they all shared but he grew up forming loving friendships with each of them and always appreciated their support throughout the years.
Rob attended Auburn High School where he graduated with the Class of 1989. He played for the golf team and it was said he was so good at golf he could’ve been a professional.
Rob chose a different path however once he acquired his entrepreneurial spirit early on as child. It presented itself when he and his good friends decided to take over a paper route. Then, from there, he took the leap into landscaping and from 1986-1988 when he worked for a dear friend’s company called Eagle Landscaping. Rob then decided to branch out with one partner and friend from 1988-1992 of which began the use of the Evergreen name. Rob started his dream with a weed whacker, a walk-behind lawnmower, and a “stolen” trailer. Rob eventually in 1992 went solo and with $500 bought his first commercial mower, placed flyers on windows of vehicles in parking lots, used word of mouth and with having a strong belief in himself started on the path to making his dream come true. With an incredible work ethic and that same entrepreneurial spirit, he established an incredible full-service lawn and landscape maintenance business. This company has come to be known today as Evergreen Lawn Maintenance and Landscape Corp. of which Rob owned and operated for over 30+ years. He amassed a very large customer base, which has continued to grow year after year as a result of his dedication and eagerness to provide the best quality service and customer care. Rob was very humble and proud as he would look back at the road that got him to where he was today. We were all, in fact, in amazement right there with him seeing his growth and many business accomplishments and milestone achievements. Rob through his journey, never ever forgot and always appreciated the hard work and dedication of the Evergreen “family” of employees who assisted in his success.
Rob leaves behind Colleen Ann Wesgan, of Leicester, his “person” he chose 24 years ago at a college graduation party. He walked over to a keg they were both standing at and asked to buy her drink. It was with that “charm” and his smile he was able to develop a partnership with the love of his life and best friend with whom he shared 3 children. Their story was written with imperfections. It wasn’t a fairytale or storybook novel, but it was their story of togetherness, support, mutual respect, and a deep love and admiration for one another through and through.
Rob’s children, Ryan Matthew Stuart, Gabrielle Rose Stuart, Shane Robert Stuart, are the best parts of Rob. He loved and adored each one of them so so much. His kids were his world. All their hugs and kisses brought many smiles to his face. Rob always wanted the best for his children and he loved them no matter what and was so so proud of the amazing people they were becoming.
He was elated to have Ryan working by his side at Evergreen for the last couple years. It meant the world to him to see one of his children following in his passion. Rob also enjoyed taking many ski trips with his daughter, Gabrielle. He also loved being silly and jumping into TikTok’s with her and her friends. He absolutely adored watching Shane play basketball. Rob was always anxious for the new basketball season to start so he could sit in the stands, cheer his little buddy on, and be his biggest fan. Rob loved his family with all of his heart.
He loved all of his many many friends dearly. He was “that guy” who would give you the shirt off his back and put a beer in your hand. He was certainly a one of kind guy who wore his heart on his sleeve. He loved to watch the Patriots with anyone who would join him. Rob was also all about his “parties” and if you never attended one, you missed out. They came equipped with laughter, love, music, and we can’t forget to mention the fireworks. To know Rob was to love him and all of his “Rob-isms”. He had a way about him that made you roll your eyes, shake your head, question him with the “what did you just say” -- to his “positive” tone when he would answer the phone - “what” --- He made us laugh so hard and Rob was…well….Rob…which says it all.
He adored his pets. He had quite an attachment with his Siberian huskies. We all thought one day Rob would be telling us he formed an Evergreen “sled dog” team since, at one time, he had 4 running around in the yard. Rob was their “pack” leader, the alpha dog, and they loved him so much.
Rob had a passion for sports cars and eventually fulfilled his dream of owning one of his favorites, a Stingray Corvette. He enjoyed cruising around in the “vette” on nice sunny days with the top down. He seemed to have a certain “swagger” when it came to driving his corvette and we all loved him for it.
Rob was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Robert Newman. He is survived by his parents, Marina and Robert “Bob” Stuart of Auburn, MA, his sister, Deborah E. Newman of Fredericksburg, VA, his brother Michael R. Stuart and husband Germano (Weiderman) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, his brother Mark A. Stuart and wife Stephanie (Perry) of Oxford, MA and his nieces and nephews, Samantha, Tyler, Kelsey, Matthew, Alexandra, and Ashley, and his great-niece, Lily; along with aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many, many close friends.
We all wish we had more time to share with Rob, we will think of him forever and always and treasure all the amazing wonderful memories we have made. WE LOVE YOU ROB!
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org/donate) .
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Stuart family from 4 – 8 PM on Friday, October 28th at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central St., Auburn.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, October 30th at J. Anthony's Italian Grill, 917 Southbridge Street, Auburn.