LOSS OF AN ICON Marathon

remembers George Steinmetz

Marathon was left reeling this past weekend as word of the unexpected passing of George Steinmetz began filtering across town.

A celebration of George’s life is in the works and more details will be shared as they become available.

A respected businessman and former marine patrol officer, Steinmetz’s imposing frame belied a generous and affable nature that endeared him to – well, everyone.

I thought there was a giant behind me,” he recalled. Later, Steinmetz would become the area captain. “He was well respected because he always put his officers first and he could ‘walk the walk.’ The only thing bigger than George was his heart.” as sort of a

Those who knew him appreciated the altruistic nature of a gentle giant. Stories of him lending a hand, making a donation or offering advice would fill more than a book – we are talking volumes.

Those who knew him best could fill another set of books about his exploits that we wouldn't consider publishing due to the salacious nature of the content and legal ramifications of those fortunate enough to come into his orbit.

George is survived by his wife Angie and her children Esteban and Jean, his second mom Maria (Riet) Steinmetz, brother Erik Steinmetz and children Alek Steinmetz, Chelsea (Evan) Lyons, and grandchildren Avery and Alric. He was preceded in death by his mother Jean and his father Arnie.

Former FWC officer Bob Dube was busting looters in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew when he first met the young marine patrol deputy in 1992.

“I knew him since he was a teenager,” said former Marathon Mayor Mike Cinque. “Everyone will tell you the same thing – he was a gentle giant just like his dad. He was a sweetheart.”

In 2007, his family’s construction company was contracted to rebuild the Castaway restaurant after the dining room collapsed into the canal. “George was a very, very good customer of mine,” said Castaway proprietor John Mirabella. “He loved sushi. He would eat a ‘Boat for 2’ by himself. That’s 78 pieces of sushi.”

“Instead of a big teddy bear as we all know him today, George was very intimidating as a marine patrol officer,” said Florida Keys Aquarium founder Ben Daughtry, who graduated from Marathon High School a few years behind George. The aquarium’s largest goliath grouper, Big George, is named in his honor. “He was such a likable, good person. We certainly share in all the sorrow that everyone else is feeling.”

“We both started in law enforcement in the early ’80s,” said Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Captain Don Hiller. “We always seemed to be working together. Later on we served together on the Pigeon Key board of directors. If you called, he would always answer.”