Plastics industry veteran Rudolph Stewart passed away from complications from cancer July 26 in Sarasota. He was 67.
Stewart worked in resin markets for more than 40 years, starting with Shell Chemical Co. before joining the plastics business of Monsanto Co.
In the late 1960s while at Monsanto, Stewart created the firm's resin distribution unit and was involved in developing Lustran Sparkle-brand styrene acrylonitrile and Montac resin adhesive.
In 1993, Stewart opened his own resin brokerage firm, R.A. Stewart & Associates Inc., based in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. The firm specialized in styrenic resins. For his accomplishments in the plastics field, Stewart was granted membership into the Plastics Pioneers Association.
Randy Rudisill, co-owner of toll compounder American Compounding Specialties LLC in Fowlerville, Mich., knew Stewart for more than 20 years. Rudisill described Stewart as “a very smart man who was always good company.”
“Rudy was a guy that was extremely honest and ethical in his dealings — and things aren't always like that in the brokerage and distribution business,” Rudisill said in a phone interview. “He stood very tall in that regard.”
Stewart also was a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by his wife, Darlene, three adult children and a grandson.
A memorial service for Stewart will be held later this year. Donations may be made to the Payton Wright Foundation for Cancer in Bradenton, Fla.; the Make-A-Wish Foundation; Ronald McDonald House; or the Plastics Pioneers Association scholarship fund.