Stewart Charles Rhymer

Stewart Charles Rhymer-known as "Uncle Stew," "Mr. Rhymer," or "Stew"-was born on November 9, 1954, at Harlem Hospital in New York City, to parents Arthur and Ruby, originally from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Stew's life was marked by joy, laughter, spontaneous music memes, generosity, faith, family, service, hunting, and his beloved "Gwenie."
Stew lived his life-fully. He was married to the love of his life, Gwendolyn K. Rhymer, and together they shared over 40 years of love, presence, service, and travel. Together, they served the Lord and grew as Christian disciples at Mount Hope AME Zion Church. Stew loved his Jesus Christ and loved his church, Mount Hope AME Zion Church. He served in many capacities including:
Preacher Steward President of Men's Ministry President of the Men's Day Committee Member of Table of Grace giving out food to the community on Fridays Member of the Choir
After college, he began his professional life as a social worker and later dedicated many years to the MTA, New York City Transit, as a bus driver. He held leadership roles within the MTA's African American bus drivers' organization and served as a union representative.
After he retired from the MTA, he kept serving, taking on many roles, including: Member of the Fire Police Squad Recording Secretary of the Fire Department Chaplain of Hillcrest Fire Company #1 Past President of the Rockland County Fire Police Vice Chairman of the Rockland County Fire Advisory Board Director of the Rockland County Volunteer Firefighters Association Member of the Rockland County Volunteer Museum Committee Member of the NYS Association of Fire Chaplains
Stew loved playing pool, dominoes, golfing, swimming, dancing, and fishing with his friends, old and new. And let's not forget his annual hunting traditions and the camaraderie they brought. There was nothing like Stew and his dogs-Noel, his Labrador Retriever, and Bear and Rudy, his loyal Rottweilers.
Stew and Gwen traveled the world together- Italy, France, Greece to Alaska, the Caribbean, and perhaps even all the Hawaiian Islands.
Stew will forever be remembered by us all. He lived a life full of faith in God, laughter, a funny meme, random music video clips, a massive waterbed, a bitmoji cartoon character of himself, and jokes. He lit up every room, bus depot - and every firehouse-he entered.
He will be eternally honored.
Continuing to celebrate Stew's legacy are his beloved wife, Gwen; While Gwen and Stew didn't have children of their own, they proudly and lovingly claimed Eddie, Tiffany, Jonathan, and Devin as "their kids." Robyn, Reggie, Arnold, Terri, Matthew, Jackson, Stacy, Jabari, and Cheryl; along with his other cousins, "grands," nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and a loving family in Tortola, led by the family matriarch, Aunt Margaret. Stew will always be remembered with a chuckle by every friend, brother, coworker, and the church family that meant so much to him.