Rue L. Stewart Jr.'s Obituary
It is with deep love and respect that we announce the passing of Rue L. Stewart Jr., aged 82, a beloved father, grandfather, Army veteran, and friend, who departed this life peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, after a courageous 18-year battle with cancer.
Born in Queens, New York on May 19, 1943, Rue lived a life defined by service, strength, good sense of humor, and a vibrant, unwavering spirit. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he served with distinction in the Special Forces and as part of the Airborne division, a testament to his bravery and resilience. After his honorable military service, he continued his commitment to public safety as a dedicated police officer with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), proudly serving the community for over 20 years.
A man of many talents and interests, Rue was as comfortable under the hood of a car as he was speed skating or racing down a track on his bicycle. He was a skilled mechanic, carpenter, and builder whose hands never stopped working, and his mind never stopped learning. His love for speed skating, bicycle and car racing was matched only by his passion for the quiet joys of life — collecting coins, stamps, and antiques, working through a tough crossword puzzle, or cueing up for a game of billiards with a sly grin.
A lover of the arts and a lifelong learner, Rue had a deep appreciation for jazz, a photographer’s eye, and the soul of a violinist. He grew up rooted in the Methodist faith, carrying its values with him throughout his life. He had a natural gift for making people laugh, often lightening the mood with his clever wit and great humor.
He was a devoted dog lover and a loyal companion to many furry friends over the years. A true connoisseur of comfort food, he never passed up a cheeseburger, brisket, mac and cheese, or a hearty plate of lasagna — always paired with a cold ginger ale.
Rue lived life fully and fought bravely through adversities. His enduring spirit, tenacity, and kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. He leaves behind a legacy of service, love, laughter, and strength.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Linda Stewart of DeBary, Florida; son, Rue Stewart III of DeBary, Florida; daughter, Dawn Branch; son-in-law, David Branch; granddaughters, Danelle Branch and Daelyn Branch of DeBary, Florida; sister, Marie Morris of Durham, North Carolina; nephews, Roland Morris of Virginia, and Travis Morris of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandniece, Lauren Morris; cousins, Florence Chambers of New York; Brenda McNeill of New York, Jacqueline Brown; Fairley Brown, Gerald Dean Brown and Doncella Shavez of Florida; The Green family (Thomas, Anna, Madeline, and Brenda) of New York; Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Dockery of Virginia, Larry Everett of Laurinburg, North Carolina; Blanche McNeill and Hannah McNeill of Laurinburg, North Carolina, and Arnold LaLande of Texas; Maggie Capels, Edward Allen, Florence Wilkerson, Joseph Wilkerson of Maryland; Ben Stewart; as well as many more friends, extended family, comrades, and community members who will forever cherish his memory.
Rest easy, Rue. Your mission is complete. You will be missed beyond measure and remembered always.
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