Riley Leonard Stewart, JR.

Riley L. Stewart Jr. was born March 18, 1950, to Ethel Mason and Riley Stewart Sr in Long Island, New York. He was raised as the oldest brother to Joann and Deborah Drew. As a big brother, he played the role well. Riley was affectionately known as Stew and transitioned this life on Tuesday July 18, 2023. Stew received his education in the New York Public School system, graduating from John Adams High school in 1968. He immediately started working from high school, working at Flying Tiger, Air Cargo, now known as Federal Express. In 1969, Stew transitioned to New York Tel where he found his passion as a communication tech, staying with the company until he transferred. Stew worked for AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and finally retiring from Avaya after 39 years of dedicated service. Stew lived in Queens New York for most of his life, until his retirement in 2005 where he moved to Decatur, GA. He started his favorite past time of flying, obtaining his private pilot license November 5, 1976. He was a self-starter and extremely motivated to better himself. At the age of 20, Stew purchased his first commercial property which prompted him to attend Queens College where he majored in Real Estate. In 1980, he and his best friend John Phelps, purchased a Cessna 172, becoming one of the few black pilots to own an aircraft. Stew was an active member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, AOPA, since December 31, 1976. He was an active member of the Negro Airmen International, Inc., which is the oldest African American civilian aviation organization in the country. He and his family, and friends enjoyed taking flights to various locations including; Bahamas, Canada, Connecticut, Virginia and several other destinations. In 2015, he received the Wing of Hope Order of the Aviator Recognition for donating his beloved plane to provide medical evacuation flights and access to healthcare for remote communities. He married Robin Miles November 23, 1983, in Queens New York. They met over their love for politics, meeting at the Southeast Queens Democratic Club. They were married for 39 years during, which they shared two lovely daughters. Their marriage was seen as extraordinary, because for twenty-two years they commuted eight hundred and sixty nine miles for families birthdays and holidays and other special occasions. Stew loved his family and often spoke of them to everyone he met. He was active with his grandchildren, participating in PTSA, and being a “rent-a-grandpa” at Dekalb Early College Academy where he would advocate for other children. Stew is a Lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP. Stew has served on the Bob Mathis Elementary School Advisory Board, and Dekalb County, Friends of the Flat Shoal Library, Board. He has supported many political candidates by working on campaigns and financial support. Stew served on the Waldrop Station Homeowners Association and was first listed on the Georgia Secretary of State website in 2011 as the CFO until 2015. As of 2023, he was an active board member at large. Stew was an avid reader and would take the time to discuss any topic with anyone. He would challenge himself by doing crossword puzzles on extremely hard topics. Stew’s parents Ethel Drew, Riley L. Sr. and his sister Deborah proceeded him in death. He is survived by his wife Robin, his daughters Nicole and Natalie, his sister Joann, his grandchildren Jahree, Jasmine, Jada, Samari, and Jerrod, his great granddaughter Yasmin. His brothers in love Eddie(Donzel), and Shawn and sister in love Helen (Vanessa), Rachel and Jacquie as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and his Godchildren,(Tacia, Eddie, and Anita). Livestream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/3592796

Tributes

Riley Leonard Stewart, JR.

March 18, 1950 - July 18, 2023