Obituary of Thomas S. Steinmacher

Thomas S. Steinmacher of Plantation, FL passed away April 30, 2024 with his devoted daughter Sheryl by his side. Tom was 82 years old, born in Newark, NJ to the late John and Genevieve Steinmacher.

Tom was raised in Nutley, where he attended Nutley High School and built his first motorboat in Woodshop, a wooden, 16-ft red and white beauty. He was a long-time resident of Nutley, Hopatcong and Landing, NJ. Tom drove for Hoffman-LaRoche in Nutley, where he hauled highly regulated pharmaceuticals for many years. Representing Hoffman-LaRoche, he participated in several State and National Truck Driving Championships (formerly known as the State and National Truck Rodeos), where a very select group of drivers demonstrated their driving and inspection skills -- and knowledge and professionalism, undergoing a written exam, pre-trip inspection test, and most visibly, the driving skills test. Tom enjoyed the spirit of competition and took great pride in participating. He took home first place in the 4-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer State Truck Rodeo in 1975, advancing to the National Rodeo in Indianapolis. Upon Tom's retirement from Hoffman-LaRoche, he and his family launched Country Towing, Inc. in Kenvil, NJ, where they served the community and state highways for many years. Upon the closing of Country Towing and Tom's move to the Florida east coast, he launched Butler Boat Services, brokering and transporting large, high-end boats and yachts across the US and up and down the east coast.

Tom enjoyed boating, water skiing, watching golf and football, and spending time with his family and beloved dogs, of which he had many over the years.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Emmy, his daughter Sheryl and her partner Joseph, daughter Cynthia (Woods) and her husband Robert, son Thomas and his wife Alice, daughter Catherine, and granddaughter Zoey. He is also survived by Emmy's children Julie, Rob and Rick and their families, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, sister Patricia and brother Jack.

Tom will be laid to rest privately in the family plot in Branchville, NJ. All services are private and entrusted to the Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home of Landing, NJ.

Tom was a safety advocate, teaching his children and friends over the years the importance and responsibility of boating safely, especially on the waters of Lake Hopatcong. In Tom's memory, we cannot think of a better legacy than to making a commitment to teaching boating safety to your family and friends, showing respect and appreciation for law enforcement who navigate and maintain safety on our waterways, and demonstrating and living the safety protocols to ensure fun and safe boating for all.