Honor William A. Stewart Sr.

Senate Resolution No. 2717 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of William A. Stewart Sr., Korean War Veteran, courageous firefighter, and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the death of those prominent citizens whose lifework and purposeful endeavors have served to enrich and enhance the quality and character of life for others in their community and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, William A. Stewart Sr., a true American patriot, died on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at the age of 86; and WHEREAS, William A. Stewart Sr. was born to Margaret (Hughes) and Robert Stewart on December 27, 1932, in Mount Kisco, New York; after graduating from the local high school, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, William A. Stewart Sr. earned his degrees from Paul Smith's College and Denver University; he then worked for Thomas Fox and Son Caterers for numerous years, retiring with the title of President; and WHEREAS, In addition to his career, William A. Stewart Sr. volunteered his time and energies in service to his community; for almost seven decades he was a vital member of the Ancient Fife and Drum Corps and the Mount Kisco Independent Fire Company, where he held the position of Chief; during this time, he also belonged to the Westchester County Association of Fire Chiefs; and WHEREAS, Moreover, this remarkable man was an usher and lifelong parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Church, and was a member of the Mount Kisco Historical Society, Memorial Day Parade Committee, and the Mount Kisco Rotary Club, where he was recognized as a three-time Paul Harris Fellow; and WHEREAS, William A. Stewart Sr. was a treasured part of his community, and was always ready and willing to help anyone, especially his fellow residents at Woodcrest Condominiums; with a warm smile and a kind heart, he touched the lives of each and every person he met; and WHEREAS, William A. Stewart Sr. deeply loved his country and the American flag; along with a fellow Woodcrest resident, he would raise the flag at daybreak and lower it at dusk, and whenever he drove past the flagpole, he would get out of his vehicle and respectfully salute Old Glory, a sight his neighbors will truly miss; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sister, Jane, and brother, Robert, William A. Stewart Sr. is survived by his wife, Joan (Fox) Stewart; three sons, William Jr. (Linda), James (Higgins), and John (Duskie); two daughters, Margaret (Gerry) and Ellen (Chip); nine grandchildren; sister-in-law, Pat Reilly, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a legion of fellow firefighters, veterans, and friends who will long cherish his memory; and WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, William A. Stewart Sr. touched many through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we recall the loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life and the enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a faithful and passionate gentleman who dedicated his purposeful life and career in faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of William A. Stewart Sr., Korean War Veteran, courageous firefighter, 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 Sr.