The man known as the "Secret Santa" passed away in his home in Lee's Summit, Missouri due to complications from esophageal cancer after giving away a total of $1.3 million during his "too-short lifetime," his friends reported Sunday. He was 58.

Larry Stewart was a successful businessman who anonymously gave money to needy during the Christmas season. The media called him the "Secret Santa" because his identity was unknown.

His gift-giving had no strict criteria. Sometimes he worked with social service agencies, but most of the time, he just gave away money to people he saw on the street or in diners, pawnshops and fast-foot places.

Stewart was inspired to help others when in 1971 while working as a door-to-door salesman in Mississippi, when he ran out of money. He had not eaten for almost two days when he ordered breakfast at the Dixie Diner. When it was time to pay, he acted as if he lost his wallet.

The kind heart of Ted Horn, the owner of the place, saved him from embarrassment, when the man picked up a $20-bill on the floor and said to him, "Son, you must have dropped this."

Stewart paid his bill and left. He later realized that it was Horn himself whom helped him out secretly. It was then that he made a vow to help other people who are in need.

It was in Kansas City that he made money in cable television, then put up his own long-distance phone company.

He started his "generosity" in 1979 when he gave the teller at a drive-in $20 for a hamburger and soft drink. He told her to keep the change and that stated his plan to give away money every Christmas season.

Stewart kept his identity unknown except to his family and close friend. In November last year, he publicly admitted that he was the Secret Santa after being diagnosed with cancer, saying he wanted to inspire others to emulate his acts and carry on his tradition.