Joseph 'Jay' Stein, Stuart Kingston scion

Joseph “Jay” Stein, whose smile and warmth was well known in Rehoboth Beach for 74 years, died peacefully at home, Thursday, June 12, 2014.

Jay was born in St. Petersburg, Fla. April 15, 1940. He attended Rehoboth schools, Saint James Preparatory School and the University of Delaware. He played many sports, but he particularly excelled at and loved football which he played at each school he attended. He began working at his family business, Stuart Kingston, at the age of 21.

Jay traveled the world extensively buying oriental carpets, gemstones and beautiful collectibles. Each year he and his wife of 49 years, Dian, went to China and Thailand, adding in an exotic excursion to some place like Cambodia, Vietnam or India, because of his desire to see, learn and experience new places and cultures.

He lived life on his own terms, and was always happy in his own skin. He loved Rehoboth Beach and his state, and was a great supporter of the University of Delaware, particularly “The Fighting Blue Hens.”

He was on the Beebe Healthcare board, one of the founders of County Bank, a certified gemologist, a member of the Kiwanis Club and gave to every charity that walked through the Stuart Kingston door. Jay was known as “The Mayor of Grenoble Place” because he was so often found on the Boardwalk bench in front of Stuart Kingston talking to everyone.

Jay is survived by his wife Dian; his daughters Mauria and Anita; and his grandsons Jay and Will Waddell. His son JJ died in 1997. His family said, “We were not prepared to lose him and will miss him every day for the rest of our lives.”

A celebration of his life will be Saturday, July 12, at 10 a.m. at All Saints' Episcopal Church on Olive Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to JJ Stein III Foundation, c/o Stuart Kingston, 1 Grenoble Place, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.