The Baltimore community is grieving the loss of Stewart Michael McDaniel, a respected marine biologist, entrepreneur, and founding member of the Aquatic Life Support Operators (AALSO), who was found deceased Tuesday evening during a welfare check at his Baltimore residence. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Stewart, originally from Ewing, New Jersey, was born to Doris Jean McDaniel, a teacher, and Weldon “Mac” McDaniel, who worked for U.S. Steel. He grew up in the same home as his mother and grandparents, developing a deep appreciation for family, learning, and community. He attended The Hun School before earning a degree from Oberlin College (OC ’87), where he cultivated his passion for science and the natural world.
Throughout his career, Stewart made significant contributions to marine biology and aquatic life support. He worked at the National Zoo and the National Aquarium, later traveling to Las Vegas to care for Steve Wynn’s dolphins at The Mirage. In Florida, he supervised Water Life Design, a company specializing in water filtration systems for aquariums, zoos, and theme parks. Among his proudest accomplishments was the creation of a rooftop hydroponic greenhouse in downtown Winter Garden, which used the waste from tilapia tanks to fertilize vegetables—a demonstration of innovative small-space farming. Stewart also shared his expertise with the public while working at Backyard Farms, helping others implement similar sustainable practices on their own properties.
As a founding member of AALSO, Stewart helped grow the organization from a small group of enthusiasts into a network of hundreds of professionals dedicated to aquatic life support and conservation. Colleagues and friends remember him as a passionate mentor, a tireless advocate for his field, and a man who combined science with creativity and curiosity.
Stewart’s personal life was marked by love, family, and resilience. Though he and his former spouse could not remain married, he remained a devoted father to their son, who he cherished above all else. Friends describe Stewart as a true renaissance man—an atheist philosopher, a lover of art, and a thinker who approached life with intellect and compassion.
His passing is felt deeply by the scientific community, the Oberlin College alumni network, and the many friends, colleagues, and family members who had the privilege of knowing him. Stewart Michael McDaniel’s contributions to science, education, and sustainable living leave a lasting legacy, and his memory will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.