Honor Mt. Kisco Fire Chief

Senate Resolution No. 1213 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of William A. Stewart, ex-Chief of the Mt. Kisco Independent Fire Company, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, William A. Stewart of Mt. Kisco, New York, died on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at the age of 86; and WHEREAS, Affectionately known as Chummy, William A. Stewart was born on December 27,1932, in Mt. Kisco to Margaret (Hughes) and Robert Stewart; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Mt. Kisco High School, Paul Smith's College and Denver University, William A. Stewart proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War before being honorably discharged; and WHEREAS, William A. Stewart distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; he retired as President of Thomas Fox and Son Caterers and served as a 67-year member of the Mt. Kisco Independent Fire Company, one year as Chief from 1992-1993; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, William A. Stewart was a 68-year member of the Mt. Kisco Fire Department Ancient Fife and Drum Corps; he was also named Mt. Kisco Citizen of the Year in 1993; and WHEREAS, An usher and lifelong parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church, William A. Stewart's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; he was a member of Mt. Kisco Rotary Club and was a three-time Paul Harris Fellow, and a member of the Mt. Kisco Historical Society, Memorial Day Parade Committee, Company of Fifers and Drummers, and the Westchester County Association of Fire Chiefs; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sister, Jane, and brother, Robert, William A. Stewart is survived by his wife, Joan Fox Stewart; his five children, William Jr. (Linda), Margaret Brittingham (Gerry), James (Higgins), John (Duskie) and Ellen Rigano (Chip); and nine grandchildren; as well as his sister-in-law, Pat Reilly; and several loving nieces and nephews; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, William A. Stewart leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of William A. Stewart, ex-Chief of the Mt. Kisco Independent Fire Company, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of William A. Stewart.