Maximilian J. Steinmann

Died December 7, 2014, “Max” J. Steinmann after suffering many years ago, an aphasic stroke following a spinal operation. Max, born and raised in Switzerland, came to New York City at age 22 and became a US citizen in 1955. Although Max loved many aspects of the United States, he was always a Swiss first - his last moments in life were spent in peace, listening to the sounds of chiming church bells from Switzerland. As an avid mountaineer in his younger days, Max climbed a few Alps and spent many summers hiking there. The family shares fond memories of skiing together and followed him through his important career trajectory that spanned many decades, continents and technological transformations.

He joined UNIVAC computers, a precursor to today’s Unisys Corporation, in 1950. At this time UNIVAC had 80 employees and the world had only 350 people in computers. Max began in sales and soon moved into management. His customers included Brookhaven National Laboratories, for which Max received a high government security clearance, Sperry Gyroscope, Long Island Lighting Company, Max Stern of Hartz Mt. Foods, and Helena Rubenstein Cosmetics, among other “forward looking” customers.

In 1961, Max was posted to Switzerland as the country’s General Manager. Among others, his customers included Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS), the Swiss National Post and Transportation System, the precursors to Novartis pharmaceuticals Sandoz and Ciba-Geigy, and the Swiss Air Force. He later also became General Manger for Austria and behind the then “Iron Curtain”, including Russia. His responsibilities expanded to Middle East countries, including Syria and Egypt where he met their defense ministers. In those days, the US government had restrictions on computer sales to these countries.

In 1978, he moved back to the US and joined Control Data Corporation in Minneapolis where he was responsible for the expansion into India and also worked in China. Later, Max became First Vice President for A.B. Dick Corporation in Chicago with responsibility for their international business.

In 1983, Max moved to Boston and started his own venture capital firm. Max also served as Honorary Counsel of Switzerland for New England and was a member of various civic clubs in the city.

Max is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Nancy (born Chilson), son Peter of Zurich, Switzerland, daughter Susi of Portland, OR, daughter Maria of Berkeley, CA and five grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held from 4p-6p on Monday, December 15th at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30a on Tuesday, December 16th at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Orleans, MA. There will be a private family burial in Chatham, MA.

Charitable donations in Max’s memory to Liberty Commons Nursing Home, 390 Orleans Road, N. Chatham, MA 02650, or to a charity of individual choice.