Michael Stewart

Michael Maurice Stewart passed away peacefully in his home on the evening of November 3, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 79.


He was born to Malcolm and Muriel Stewart in Manhattan, NY on June 18, 1943. Michael was a quiet man with a huge heart, determined to provide for his family and give them a wonderful life. Anyone who knew him, knew his family meant more to him than anything else in the world.


Michael attended Brooklyn Prep High School for two years. He was a star football player before he transferred to Jamaica High School, where he became a track star and graduated in 1962. Afterwards, he attended Brooklyn Technical College and studied architecture for two years. During that time, he quickly and skillfully learned about structural engineering and how to sketch tall buildings.


Michael's studies and experience led to a groundbreaking event in 1964 when he became the first Black Union Iron Worker in the United States. He was featured in articles from the Long Island Press, New York Times, Amsterdam News, and Ebony Magazine. Michael eventually owned his own business for over 15 years, working on many projects throughout New York City.

His talents led him to be hired as the General Manager and Operation Manager for U.S. Bridge, where he worked for 25 years. During his time at U.S. Bridge, he was the project manager for the renovations of NYC Archives, Grand Central Station, 59th Street Bridge, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The last project that he completed was the Palisades Mall in Rockland County, 2001. At the time of its completion, it was the third largest mall in the country. He worked for a total of 45 years and retired in 2003.


Michael was also devoted to his community. He was Boy Scout Master of Troop 381 from 1965 to 1969. In the 1970s, he was one of the founders of the Wyandanch-Wheatly Heights Ambulance Corps, formerly known as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteer Rescue Service. Today, it's a multi-million-dollar corporation.


His love for his community translated into even greater love for his family. In 1959, he met his first wife Loyce "Lannie" E. Thomas. They married in 1963 and had three children: Lori Danielle Stewart, Michael Martin Stewart, and Mark Etienne Stewart. They divorced after 25 years of marriage but remained friends.


In 1988, he met his current wife, Kim M. Heard-Stewart. They married on November 1, 1990 and went on to live a beautiful life together for 32 years. They had three children: Najee Maurice Stewart, Akeem Quaree Stewart, and Ashley Eboni Stewart.


Michael was a man you could always count on; he would lend a helping hand for those in need. He loved to sing and dance (and was very good at it). He knew his way around a chess board, always spoke words of wisdom, and was known for making silly faces. He was extremely talented and loved to work with his hands.

He was truly a life teacher in every way.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Malcolm and Muriel; his ex-wife, Loyce; his two sons, Michael and Mark; and recently, his sister-in-law, Georgina Stewart.

He is survived by his loving wife Kim; his wonderful children, Lori and daughter-in-law Jen; Najee, Akeem and daughter-in-law Miché, Ashley; his brothers, Paul and Malcolm Jr. and sister-in-law Teresa; his best friend, Michael Estella; his grandchildren, Ryan, Shai, Brandon, Sariena, Nara, and Serenity; his great- grandchildren, Niko, Liyah and Rico; as well as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and other family members.


He was the most loving husband, father, son, and friend that anyone could ask for—and he will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

After service, we will meet at the Residence Inn located at 227 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY 12205 to celebrate his life with dinner, drinks, and music.

In lieu of flowers the family would kindly accept donations.

The service will be livestreamed at 5pm at the link below.

Click here to view Michael's Service