Dr. Steven Mark Zimmerman

Steve was born on April 13, 1935, in South Orange, New Jersey, to his parents, Saul and Betty Zimmerman. He attended Lehigh University for his undergraduate studies and graduated in 1957. During his time there, he met his wife, Carolyn Zimmerman (deceased), whom he married shortly after graduation. Following college, Steve began his career with Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation (now Northrop Grumman), a leading aerospace and defense company. While at Grumman, he was sponsored to pursue his master’s degree at Columbia University, which he completed in 1961.

After five years in the private sector, Steve accepted a faculty position at Newark College of Engineering (now the New Jersey Institute of Technology), where he taught in the emerging field of computer technology. It was during these years that he discovered his passion for both teaching and computers. While at Newark, Steve was awarded the Rhoades Scholarship and used it to enroll in the Ph.D. program at the University of Arkansas. Over the next several years, he taught spring and fall semesters at Newark and spent summers teaching at universities across the country to earn credits toward his doctoral degree.

Part of his doctoral work brought him to Huntsville, Alabama, where he pursued a grant from Auburn University contributing to the NASA Spacelab 2 mission. His research provided foundational support for the successful Challenger shuttle mission flown in 1985. Steve completed his doctoral degree while teaching at the University of Arkansas, earning his Ph.D. in 1970. After receiving his doctorate, Steve and his family moved to Morgantown, West Virginia, where he spent the next two years as a professor at West Virginia University.

After many relocations for academic and professional opportunities, Steve and Carolyn eventually settled in Mobile, Alabama, with their three sons—Stanley, Robert, and David. Steve joined the University of South Alabama as the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, where he became a pioneer in the development and application of early spreadsheet programs, including Lotus and Excel. Over the course of his career, he authored more than 25 books on the subject, many of which became core curriculum materials at universities across the country. In his spare time, Steve was a devoted student of history, a passion that inspired him to write 12 historical fiction novels.

While Steve’s work and writing were central to his identity, nothing mattered more to him than his family. He was a devoted father who took immense pride in his sons and in the men they grew to become. His commitment to mentorship extended beyond his home as well. As Scoutmaster for his local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America (troops 16 and 136), Steve played a meaningful role in guiding many young men on their path to earning the rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction achieved by all three of his own sons. In addition to his community involvement, Steve was committed to his faith. He and his wife were longtime members of Springhill Avenue Temple, where they frequently assisted with events and congregational activities.

After retirement, Steve continued writing but devoted much of his time to his growing family and to traveling. He and his wife became avid world travelers, visiting every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Living on Mobile Bay, they shared a deep love of the water, a passion they passed down to their children and grandchildren. Long before kayaking became widespread, Steve and Carolyn were enthusiastic paddlers, always eager to get their family out on the waves. They kept a fleet of boats ready for all to enjoy. Their home was a constant hub of activity, hosting gatherings for friends, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. When not hosting, they made great efforts to travel for birthdays, graduations, and sporting events, showing unwavering support for their family and loved ones.

As we bid farewell to Steve, we find comfort in the memories he leaves behind and the wisdom he shared so generously throughout his life. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his steady spirit remains a guiding presence in every lesson he taught, every life he touched, and every family moment he cherished. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of being part of his remarkable journey.

Funeral services will be held at Springhill Avenue Temple Cemetery on Sunday, January 4th, at 1:00 p.m.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn Zimmerman. He is survived by his children, Stanley Zimmerman (Silvia), Robert Zimmerman (Dr. Ann Daves), and David Zimmerman, J.D. (Kimberly); his grandchildren, Samantha Poeth (Jason), Dr. Arthur Zimmerman (Dr. Chelsea Zimmerman), Richard Zimmerman (Beth), and Elizabeth Hope (Robert); his great-grandchildren, Samuel Zimmerman, Samson Poeth, Hazel Zimmerman, Lydia Poeth, and Robert Hope Jr.; as well as many other relatives and friends.