Michael Kirk Stuart, 55, of New York City, died at his home on Monday, January 21, 2013.

He was born to the late William Kirkpatrick Stuart Jr. of Lexington and the late Barbara Louise Martin Stuart of Buena Vista, on January 31, 1957, in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Claire Marie Stuart of Houston; two sisters, Susan Stuart and Carolyn Cahalen, both of Charlottesville; paternal aunt, Kathryn Walker of Richmond; maternal uncle, James Martin of Fort Lauderdale; ex-wife and mother of Claire Marie, Lorraine Stuart of Houston; nieces, Lauren Kois of New York City, Julia Kois of Asheville, Sara Cahalen of Charlottesville; nephews, Stuart Cahalen, Patrick Cahalen and Joseph Cahalen, and a brother-in-law Edward Cahalen, all of Charlottesville.

A brother, David Allen Stuart; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Stuart and Mr. and Mrs. Allen Martin predeceased him.

Michael attended Albemarle High School in Charlottesville before moving to New York City in 1974. He lived in New Orleans from 1982 until 1997 before returning to New York.

He was a freethinker, standing up for his community as an advocate for social justice for the under-advantaged. He was a lifelong guitarist. Fun loving and comical, Michael charmed all with his infectious smile. He was a true rocker. His proudest accomplishment, however, was his daughter, Claire.

Donations may be made to Community Access, 2 Washington Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10004.

A memorial service to be held at Irish Creek Valley Outlook, Virginia, Mile Post #43, at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013.