Stephen Michael Sackmary

Stephen Sackmary, known to his friends and family as Steve, was a kind, curious and adventurous man who loved being outdoors, traveling, and meeting people.

He earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, and an MBA from the University of Rochester where he was inducted into Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society.

Steve enjoyed photography, sailing, bicycling, motorcycling, live music and meeting band members in Austin. A favorite drummer became a close friend. He was a collector of books, music, tools, knives, belt buckles, t-shirts.

His first boat was a motor sailboat named The Mighty Jay, which nearly sank in the Erie Canal when a drain plug came loose. Later he owned an O’Day Mariner sailboat, which he learned to sail on Canandaigua Lake with its many crosswinds.

Steve adventured throughout the Southwest on motorcycle rides with friends. Engineer by profession, and mechanic by hobby, Steve liked maintaining his own equipment. Friends were frequently over for coffee in the garage. He didn’t care for formation riding, preferring wide open spaces and lengthy distances between fellow riders. Their motto was “We might be lost, but we’re making good time”.

He was a member of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and Harley Owners Group. A lifetime member of the Sun Lodge No. 6 F+A.M. Masonic Temple of Taipei,Taiwan.

Steve was a founding member of Phi Sigma Delta, the first non-discriminatory fraternity on the U. Mass Campus and served as both Vice President and President. He maintained lifelong friendships and connected with contemporaries.

He served in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

Steve is survived by his wife of 64 years, two sons, daughter-in-law, two grandsons, a brother, nieces, nephew and cousins. Preceded in death by parents Julius and Florence, sister Lois, and her husband Ballin.

His career as a Mechanical/Industrial Engineer and manager found him working for several companies making a variety of products including household appliances, cameras, electronics and automotive air bags. He worked in several locations including MA, KY, NY, FL, AL, AZ, TX, Canada, Mexico and Taiwan. After retiring from manufacturing he spent 10 years as owner of an Executive search firm.

Steve enjoyed helping others succeed and develop their skills, sharing his knowledge and experience. An outgoing, friendly man, he enjoyed entertaining friends and neighbors with his many, often amusing stories.

Two of his proudest moments were helping guide 14 Boy Scouts on a ten day 70 mile hike across the mountainous region of Taiwan. Later he led a team in the development of the auxiliary power supply for the F-22 aircraft.

The family wishes to thank his caregivers, firefighters, EMTs and Hospice Austin for their support and kindness.