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Dennis Stewart Obituary
Dennis is the son of the late Roger J. Stewart and Maxine B. Stewart of Rising Sun, MD.
Dennis was a 1978 graduate of Rising Sun High school and a 1982 graduate of the former Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey where he studied organ with Robert Carwithen.
He was employed by Grace United Methodist Church in Aberdeen, Maryland as the Music Director since 1982 and Church Administrator since 1999. Additionally, Dennis served as the Music Director for Congregation Beth Emeth in Wilmington, Delaware since 2000. Over the course of his music career, Dennis participated as Design and Tonal Consultant for several church and synagogue organ projects and was a former member of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society and the Harford Choral Society.
In addition to his mother, Dennis is survived by his sister, Debra Stewart.
Interment will be held privately at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Kidney Fund online at https://www.kidneyfund.org/ or mail to American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Douglas Rhodes
August 1, 2025
I will greatly miss you as my friend and mentor. Your guidance helped sustain my music ministry through thick and thin, and for that I will be forever grateful. Soli deo Gloria. Douglas Rhodes
Barbara Kramer
July 25, 2025
So sorry to hear of Dennis´ passing. He was a wonderful talent as well as a supremely kind man.
Boyd Etter
June 17, 2025
I have fond memories of Dennis sitting in a church pew behind me during our childhood. He was singing hymns with great enthusiasm when he was still a toddler! That was at Janes United Methodist Church in Rising Sun. As a teenager, Dennis played the organ at our wedding! That was exactly 50 years ago. Our sympathy and prayers to Dennis' loved ones and whole host of friends. He is now playing and singing in the heavenly choir.
C. Kenneth Stein
June 13, 2025
My deepest condolences to Dennis´ family and loved ones. Dennis was my roommate at Westminster for 3 years. He & I got along as well as we did because we both shared a quirky sense of humor and a love of the literature of the organ, especially from the Romantic era. My fondest memory of our time together was when we fell asleep to the strains of J. Weinberger´s cantata "The Way to Emmaus" - his cassette tape of Louise Natale (soprano) & Fred Swann (organ). It is 20+ minutes of heartbreaking beauty that ends quietly with the disciples entreating Jesus- "... for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. Abide with us, abide, abide..." Rest in peace, my friend.
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Shirley Rouse
June 10, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
George Renz
June 9, 2025
I remember Dennis as a kindhearted person with a quiet sense of humor, who gave me my first experience of classical music, sharing something he loved. I'm not surprised that he touched many in his musical career. He was serious, dedicated and unselfish.
Jane Martin
June 9, 2025
Dennis helped out many times at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Aberdeen when I was unable to play for weekday funerals. He was a wonderful person and an amazing organist. Thankfully, heaven how has both.
Don Ruth
June 6, 2025
Dennis always welcomed me to sing with his choir at Grace church when I visited my sister, Laura. Listening to him play the organ was always a gift. Much love, Don Ruth
Greg Hendrickson
June 6, 2025
Dennis will be missed more than he could have ever imagined. He was a quiet soul that resonated loudly through his music, his laughter, and his companionship with those of us who´ve known him for decades. Dennis, my friend - I will miss our conversing and reminiscing over dinner, or as you commonly put it "a bite to eat." You´ll always be with us in memories and where thoughts of you will still linger and I hope one day will bring more smiles rather than tears.
Mark Husey
June 6, 2025
Dennis was an honorable, understated man who quietly went about the business of excellence. Since 1986 he was my mentor as a musician and as a surrogate big brother. My heart goes out to Debra and Maxine: his memory will be cherished by countless witnesses who not only thrilled to his musicianship, but who were nourished by his kindness and steadfast devotion.
Let us now praise men of renown, and our fathers in their generation. The Lord hath wrought great glory through his magnificence from the beginning. Such as by their skill sought out musical tunes, and published canticles of the scriptures. Their posterity are an holy inheritance, and their glory shall not be forsaken. Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church declare their praise.
Ecclesiasticus, Chapter 44
Tim Brooks
June 6, 2025
Sorry for the community lost, Dennis was a kind soul, I enjoyed singing with Dennis and will missed him
Phillip Dennis
June 5, 2025
Dennis was a funny man with defined taste, and an excellent musician. He is gone too young. My deep condolences to his family and friends. I will cherish the memories of performing with him in Baltimore Choral Arts Society.
George P. Miller
June 5, 2025
Dennis, the memories of our years singing together at BCAS will always be a blessing. Gone too soon. Requiescat in pace.
Glenn Heisey
June 5, 2025
Dennis, dear friend, you will be missed.
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