The founder of the renowned grocery store chain, Stew Leonard Sr., has passed away at 93-years-old. 

 

Leonard, who was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, he graduated from Norwalk High School and later completed his education at University of Connecticut School of Agriculture.

 

He opened the first Stew Leonard's in 1969 as a retail dairy store.

 

The grocery store chain has since grown to a $600 million family-owned and operated business with seven farm fresh food store locations and more than 2,500 employees.

 

Leonard passed away at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City following a brief illness.