Stewart R. Kusinitz, 72, of Tiverton, R.I. and Martha’s Vineyard, died on Oct. 12 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Fall River to Maury and Edith (Robinson) Kusinitz, Stewart attended Durfee High School and Boston University. In 1966, he joined his father at the Maury Kusinitz Insurance Agency as an insurance agent, later becoming president of the agency. The agency later merged with Stafford & Co. in 2001, where he served as vice president.

At a very young age, he learned the hobby and art of collecting postage stamps from his grandparents, Jennie and Sam Robinson. These hobbies turned into a lifelong second career of buying, selling, and appraising stamps and coins. He traveled the world participating in stamp and coin shows, with a specialty in the U.S., China and Japan. He owned the Fall River Stamp and Coin and was a life member of the American Stamp Dealers Association, serving as its president in 1987.

Stewart was president of Robinson Realty and owned Robinson Vacation Rentals of Martha’s Vineyard. In 2002, he purchased Smoke ‘N Bones Restaurant in Oak Bluffs, helping it to gain fame. The Boston Globe named it the fourth best rib joint in New England. In addition, Stewart was the owner of Holiday Travel of Fall River/Westport and was a licensed auctioneer. His love for Fall River was evident in his civic and charitable involvement. For more than 40 years, Stewart played Santa Claus for area special needs children for the Fall River Lions Club, where he was a past president. He took great joy in bringing a smile to the faces of those less fortunate.

Stewart was one of the early board members of the Marine Museum of Fall River in the 1960s and returned to the board in its recent revival. He served as vice chairman of the board of directors and was looking forward to serving as its chairman later this month. He was one of the original founders of ReCreation, Inc, serving on its board from 1971 until 2001. He was also president of Businessmen for Better Parking Inc., a longtime member of the Lebanon American Society, a charter member of the Colonial Navy of Massachusetts, and a member of the senior division of the Boys & Girls Club of Fall River, where he enjoyed playing handball.

Stewart accepted his diagnosis with grace and dignity. He felt he had lived a great life, was luckier than most, and “raised hell with the best of them.” Even through the darkest days of his illness, he often mentioned a quote by Helen Keller, “I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw a man who had no feet.” Count your blessings.

Besides his wife, those left behind to cherish his memory are five daughters: Tracey Altman and her husband Chuck of Frisco, Texas, Tara Gagnon and her husband Roger, of Somerset, Tanya Francisco and her husband Steven of Douglas, and Kelsey Elizabeth and Kaylee Sullivan Kusinitz of Tiverton; two sisters, Enid Lomax (and her late husband Terry) of Miami Lakes, Fla., and Edith Ann Getchell and her husband Dawson of Austin, Texas; and four grandchildren, Drew and Tucker Gagnon, Zachary Altman, and Gavin Francisco. He also leaves his former wife, Judith Kusinitz of Somerset.

The family would like to thank the many people who supported Stewart during his illness, including the staff of Hudner Oncology, the office staff of Stafford & Co. and “the Kusinitz girls.”

A celebration of Stewart’s life will be held on Monday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m., at Temple Beth El, 385 High street, in Fall River. Burial will follow in Temple Beth El Cemetery. A memorial observance will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the family home, 50 Margaret street in Tiverton, R.I.

Donations in Stewart’s memory may be made to the K Club Foundation, c/o Kiwanis Club of Fall River, Inc., P.O. Box 9412, Fall River, MA 02720-9412.

All arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Hathaway Home for Funerals, 1813 Robeson Street, Fall River. To light a memorial candle, sign guest book, or for more information visit hathawayfunerals.com or call 508-673-0781.