$20,781.00

All proceeds will go to Glioblastoma research at The Brain and Spine Tumor Center at NYU. 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Stewart Mackoff, age 59, on July 2nd, 2026, following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Stu's life was marked by compassion, generosity, and strength, and he leaves behind family and friends who will forever cherish the privilege of having known and loved him.

Born on August 9th, 1966, Stu lived a life defined by kindness and an unwavering commitment to those around him. He was endlessly generous with his time, quick with a joke, and always the person others turned to for advice, encouragement, or simply a good laugh. His intelligence was matched only by his humility, and he had a remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel valued.

Above all else, Stu was devoted to his family, his friends, and his dog Layla. He found his greatest joy in the people he loved, celebrating life's milestones, creating traditions, and making every gathering feel special. His love was constant, unconditional, and evident in everything he did. His family was the center of his world, and he took immense pride in being a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Everywhere Stu went, he built lasting friendships and created communities. Whether on the softball field, around the poker table or backgammon set, in the gym, or at work, he had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. Every new chapter of his life became another circle of lifelong friends, a true testament to the genuine bonds he formed with everyone he met. Stu loved his people deeply, and that love was returned tenfold. His kindness, loyalty, and generous spirit turned friends into family and ordinary gatherings into cherished memories.

Some of Stu's happiest moments were found in the kitchen, with his favorite music playing and the people he loved gathered close by. A gifted home cook, he found joy in preparing meals and hosting BBQs that brought family and friends together. For Stu, food and music went hand in hand. They were the soundtrack to conversations, laughter, and memories that would last a lifetime. His quick wit, infectious laugh, playful goofiness, and warmth made everyone feel at home, and every gathering was richer simply because he was there.

Throughout his career in pharmaceutical oncology, Stu earned the admiration of colleagues not only for his intelligence and expertise but also for his willingness to mentor others. Even during the most difficult days, he never focused on what he had lost. Instead, he spoke of returning to the work he loved with a renewed perspective and a deeper commitment to helping those affected by cancer. His resilience, optimism, and unwavering commitment to others reflected the extraordinary person he was.

Stu's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his love, his friendship, his mentorship, the communities he built, and the joy he brought to every table, every conversation, and every room he entered. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.