Stewart Wallace Christiano

Stewart Christiano, 84
Former Prince William County Park Authority member and long-time community advocate Stewart Christiano, 84, of Woodbridge, VA, died Monday, June 26, 2017, at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge after a long illness.
Mr. Christiano was a long-time educator—first in his native state of Connecticut, then in the Army serving in Germany, at U.VA while pursuing master’s and doctorate degrees, and later as a school administrator in Fairfax County Public Schools and at the Fort Belvoir Education Center. He coached hundreds of boys and girls in softball, basketball, soccer, and baseball for the Eastern Prince William County Sports Club, Prince William County Basketball League and Woodbridge Little League. In recognition of his many years of service both on the Park Authority Board and as a coach, the Little League baseball complex at Veterans Memorial Park in Woodbridge was renamed in his honor in 2009. Mr. Christiano served on the Park Authority Board in numerous positions for more than 30 years and was instrumental in acquiring land for new parks and expanding the recreational opportunities in Prince William County. He believed that everyone should have an opportunity to pursue their recreational interests no matter if those included interests outside of sports such as gardening, dance, art, theatre, fishing and skateboarding. He was a long-time supporter of the P.L.A.Y Foundation and helped raised money for their programs.
While many choose to retire as they grow older, Mr. Christiano continued to serve on numerous community boards and committees as well as to volunteer throughout the community. After leaving the Park Authority, he became a docent at the Occoquan Mill House Museum instructing young and old about the history of milling and the Occoquan Merchant’s Mill. He was there every Sunday until illness prevented him from continuing. He also served on the Occoquan Historical Society Board.
Mr. Christiano was best known for his storytelling, his love of education and sports, and his kind and generous nature. He was quick with a smile and an opinion and will be very missed by all those who ever met him. Surviving Mr. Christiano are his daughter Carla Christiano and daughter Vanessa Parker, her husband, Luke Parker, their children, Zak, Cory, Kira and Logan, and Jacob Parker.
A service will be held at Mountcastle Turch Life Celebration Home, 4143 Dale Blvd, Dale City, VA, on July 6 at 10 a.m. Burial services will be held at noon at the Quantico National Cemetery. A small reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made on behalf of Stewart Christiano to the P.L.A.Y Foundation and the Occoquan Historical Society.