Our dear friend and distinguished colleague Stewart Amatus Carrera passed away on January 23, 2024. While we, his NOAA Climate Program Office (CPO) family, are deeply saddened by his passing and miss him sorely, we are also celebrating his life, leadership, and remarkable legacy of achievements.
Stewart served in the Federal government for nearly 25 years. In 1996, Stewart was hired as a contractor in the Administrative Services Division (ASD) of NOAA’s Office of Global Programs, now CPO. In 2007, he was converted to a Federal employee in ASD as a Program Specialist until he retired in 2021.
Stewart had a deep love and passion for music and dancing and formally studied Indian dancing; upon graduation he was bestowed the title Natya Ratna (Dancing Jewel). He further studied abroad in India and obtained a degree in classical Bharata Natyam, the oldest classical Indian dance. He had many performances at the Kennedy Center, George Washington University, the DC and Baltimore Caribbean Festivals, and Takoma Park Folk Festival. He also performed in India in Calcutta, Madras and New Delhi and for the embassies of India, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, and Russia.
We will remember Stewart as a kind and compassionate person who was vibrant and giving to everyone he encountered. He was dedicated to the Climate Program Office priorities and objectives and the work that we do. He believed in striving for excellence and providing team support. He was committed to providing exceptional customer service to the climate community as well as partners and other government staff outside our office. We will remember Stewart’s infectious laughter, positive energy, and the enjoyment that he brought to our workplace. He had a knack for lifting spirits and making even the toughest days a little brighter.
