Steve was born on November 17, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Dr. Garland F. and Hazel E. (Straube) Smith. Steve grew up in Richmond Heights, Missouri and graduated from Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School in 1965 with achievements in football, track and student affairs. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, becoming a U.S. Marine Corps photographer. In 1970, Steve enrolled at the Rochester Institute Technology studying film making, photojournalism, and world and art history. He was a Dean's List honoree and editor of the school magazine "The Genesean," graduating in 1973.
In August 1973, Steve began his professional career with E. Leitz Inc. manufacturers of Leica Cameras as a sales representative in the Midwest. In 1976, Steve became national sales manager for the company and resided in Rockleigh, New Jersey. Steve became Vice President of the Photographic Division in January 1982, responsible for all sales of Leica cameras and accessories in the U.S. market.
For a short time Steve returned to St. Louis starting his own corporate outplacement firm. In 1993 Olympus Camera Co. hired Steve as a regional manager and later sale manager for the Western U.S. Region and Hawaii being based in San Jose, California. Downsizing forced Steve to make a career change. He became a licensed real estate agent and joined Coldwell Banker Realty San Jose-Willow Glen Office in 2009 and remained with the firm until his death.
Steve had many hobbies over the years — photography, woodworking, automotive restorations and playing golf. He coached golf for many years at Piedmont Hills High School in San Jose.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister Hazel Christine Smith (Jacques T.) McCormack. He is survived by his brothers Garland F. "Fred" (Karen) Smith, Jr., O'Fallon, MO and Bruce B. (Ruth) Smith, Severn, MD and sister Elizabeth E. Smith, Chicago, IL. Uncle to Christiane E. Smith (John) Hamai, St. Paul, MO; John G. McCormack, Columbia, SC; Andrew M. McCormack, San Francisco, CA; Ian C. Smith, Havre de Grace, MD; Matthew B. Smith, Severn, MD. Great-uncle to Noah J. Hamai, Mallory E. Hamai, Reagan C. Hamai, Jonah C. Hamai, St. Paul, MO; Alannah F. Smith, Lillian M. Smith, Havre de Grace, MD. Former wife Karen Lee (Osterman) Smith, nice and nephews, Marguerite, Mark and Chris Basso as well as his "adopted" children, Elizabeth and Khang Nyugen. Numerous cousins.
Per his wishes he was cremated and due to COVID-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to American Cancer Society.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18