Jeffrey Stewart

Jeffrey Downs Stewart, 78, formerly of Pennington and Atlantic City, New Jersey, passed away on November 2, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Born on August 26, 1947, in Princeton, New Jersey, Jeffrey was the son of the late Stanley and Leona Stewart.

A graduate of Pennington Central High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, including a tour of duty in Vietnam.

Jeffery served in the military for three years with courage and dedication.

His exemplary conduct during his service earned him a Bronze Star, which remains an enduring testament to his bravery and commitment to his country.

He was honorably discharged from the Army on June 6, 1969.

After returning home, Jeffery pursued his love of good music and good times, the highlight of which was touring with Duke Williams and the Extremes.

That experience ultimately inspired Jeff to study communications and sound engineering at Mercer County College.

After his studies he began his professional career at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, where he worked toward becoming a recording engineer, dedicating himself to the craft.

However fate intervened and Jeffrey transitioned into the casino industry, at first working as a dealer at Harrah's Casino in Atlantic City while commuting regularly too Pennington to care for his mother, Leona.

After her passing, he settled permanently in Atlantic City, evolving his career and eventually joining the Borgata Casino, where he was able to return to sound and stage-related work.

Through his hard work Jeff became a proud homeowner in Atlantic City & that goal achieved set his sights squarely on idea he had brewing in his mind.

With utter conviction he turned his idea into a patented product known as "The Ribster."

Though it did not bring the financial rewards he had hoped for, it stood as a testament to his determination, creativity, and belief that he could achieve whatever he set his mind too.

In his later years, Jeffery realized another long-held dream by retiring to Costa Rica, even in the face of a prostate cancer diagnosis.

His ability to continue pursuing his goals despite significant obstacles was in fact a defining feature of his character.

Jeffrey was an avid music lover as his friends from "John & Peters" in New Hope from" back in the day" can attest.

He was also a Philadelphia Eagles fan and absolutely delighted to see his team win a Super Bowl.

Ultimately Jeffery was a loving and dedicated son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend and was cherished by many who considered him family in every way.

Though he had no biological children, he often played a fatherly role in the lives of his nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Leona Stewart; his sister, Janice Stewart; his nephew, Stewart Jones; and several of his dearest friends, including Fred Boyer, T.J. Tindal, and Cotton Kent.

He leaves to cherish his memory his brother and sister-in-law, Stanley and Melissa Stewart; his niece, Simone Stewart; his nephews, Douglas Jones and Stanley Stewart III; beloved cousins; and many, many friends who were his brothers and sisters not by blood, but by heart.

He will undoubtably also be lovingly remembered by a host of other relatives and dear friends whose lives he touched.

Jeffery's laughter and presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and love him.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Hughes Funeral Home, 324 Bellevue Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.