Passing of Brother Arnold Stewart, FSC

Brother Arnold Stewart, FSC, passed peacefully last night at Mont La Salle’s Holy Family Community in Napa, California.

Brother Arnold, a pillar of faith and strength in the community, served Sacred Heart High School for over three decades from 1960 to 1981 and from 1985 to 1986.

“Brother Arnold was a force at Sacred Heart and in the lives of so many in the Sacred Heart Cathedral community,“ said President Emeritus John Scudder ’73.

Brother Arnold was assigned to Sacred Heart in 1960, his second assignment as a Christian Brother. He taught religion, mathematics and business education during his first two years. He was also famously the Director of the SH Choir for many years.

“He brought the Senior Chorus to sing at my father’s funeral in 1978. He also came to the vigil service and helped the priest do the rosary,” said Janet Holland ’77.

He continued his role as a mentor and leader of young students through his service as Vice Principal and Dean of Students (1962-1965, 1979-1981) and Principal (1965-1978). He was also the school’s Registar from 1985 to 1986.

Brother Arnold’s impact on the community was everlasting–most evident on September 25, 2005 when Sacred Heart Cathedral honored Brother Arnold for his commitment to service with a special liturgy and celebration. Over one thousand SHC community members gathered to honor his lifelong commitment to Lasallian education. On that same day, Sacred Heart Cathedral established the Brother Arnold Stewart, FSC, Endowed Scholarship Fund to provide access to the highest-quality Catholic education for deserving students. He was honored again in 2017 by the school during the Brother Arnold Stewart, FSC, Gymnasium Dedication Ceremony.

“Through the turbulent years of the 60’s and early 70’s, Brother Arnold was a consistent and devoted mentor for thousands of young men. For the Sacred Heart students of that era, faith, family, honesty and integrity were the values he worked to instill at 1055 Ellis Street,” said Mike Kelly ’69.

Brother Arnold entered the Christian Brotherhood in 1948. After his tenure at Sacred Heart, he answered the call to serve at various Lasallian institutions. He is remembered for his leadership, devotion to faith and, most importantly, his love to mentor youth. Brother Arnold passed away at the age of 92.

“I was blessed by his leadership in my formation in serving the Sacred Heart Cathedral mission. He was an exemplar. We will continue to honor his life and legacy in the days and years to come,” said President Melinda Lawlor Skrade.

The funeral mass and celebration of his life will take place at Saint Mary's College Chapel on Friday, October 6, at 10:30 am (Saint Mary's College, De La Salle Dr, Moraga, CA 94556).

For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will also be live-streamed via Zoom beginning
at 10:30 am pst.

Gifts may be made to The Brother Arnold Stewart, FSC, Endowed Scholarship Fund at the Lasallian Christian Brothers Foundation (LCBF), which supports deserving SHC students with financial assistance. Make gifts payable to the LCBF and mail them to 4401 Redwood Rd, Napa, CA 94558.