Lasting Memories

Stuart Brewster
Dec. 2, 1926-April 16, 2026
Palo Alto, California

Stuart Brewster, 99, of Palo Alto, California, passed away on April 16, 2026. A devoted father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, he is deeply missed.

Stuart was an easygoing, New England gentleman who had an independent spirit, curious mind, and wide-ranging interests from history, politics, world events, skiing, travel, photography, nature, and jazz music. He was well-read with a great memory, and had a great sense of humor with a dry wit and a particular fondness for puns.

Born in 1926 in Danvers, Massachusetts, Stuart grew up at his mother’s family home with his mother, brothers, and extended family. As a boy, he spotted a rare Oregon Junco at their birdfeeder that drew attention from birders across New England. Relying on his great memory, Stuart readily shared stories of his growing up and family history.

Stuart attended Proctor Academy for high school and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Tufts University. His first job after college was working for his uncle, Nathan Nichols, at his hearing aid company in Danvers. In 1951, Stuart was hired by Addison Wesley Publishing Company in Redding, Massachusetts and built a more than 40-year career with the company. His first position was as a salesman traveling to colleges around the northeast and southern United States trying to persuade professors to use the company’s textbooks in their courses. Later, as an acquisitions editor, he used this same technique to drum up authors for new Addison Wesley textbooks. In 1964, Stuart moved to Palo Alto to help establish the company’s West Coast office and later led their Innovative Division focused on progressive educational materials.

In 1958, Stuart met Renate Falkenheim of Rochester, New York and they married in 1959. They had many adventures together, including trips back East to visit family, traveling internationally, visiting their daughter in Alaska, and numerous road trips around the western US.

Stuart enjoyed books, traveling, appreciated nature’s beauty, and was an avid photographer. In his later years, he especially enjoyed walking at the Baylands Nature Preserve, and was instrumental in the Palo Alto Jazz Alliance (PAJA) and their efforts to promote jazz and host concerts. He served on their board of directors and was president for many years.

Stuart had a deep love for his family and took great pride in being able to provide for them. He is survived by his daughters, Karen and Andrea; his son-in-law, Seyed Alavi; his grandchild, Naseem Alavi; and extended family. He was predeceased by his wife, Renate.

Memorial donations may be made to the Palo Alto Jazz Alliance.