Ralph Steinhart

Ralph H. Steinhart, 91, of Fanwood died July 13, 2017. He was born in and grew up in Maplewood, raising his family in West Caldwell before moving to Westfield in 1992 and to Fanwood last year.

Mr. Steinhart’s entire career focused on hospitality operations management, having worked for several companies, including Sky Chefs, Harris Kerr Forster & Co., and the Harry M. Stevens Company. In 1966 he formed Steinhart Associates, from which he provided management consulting and related advisory services to domestic and international hospitality clients. Upon retirement and for many years, he provided his expertise to the Downtown Westfield Corporation as a volunteer on the Economic Development Committee.

He graduated from Columbia High School in January 1944 and from Washington State College in 1949 with a B.A. in hotel management.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Force and was honorably discharged. 

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He was nicknamed “Mr. Makeshift” for tinkering with contraptions out of whatever materials happened to be on hand.

Upon recovering from a quadruple bypass at the age of 74, he continued to ski and play tennis for another 10 years, and worked on the New York Times crossword puzzle until very recently.

Predeceased by his wife, Letty F., he is survived by his significant other, Nancy Bristol of Westfield; three sons, Victor (Barbara) of Caldwell, Bill (Darlene) of West Orange, and Dan (Joanne) of Portland, Ore.; four grandchildren; and Nancy’s children, Judy Schwartz and Rob Knoll of Maplewood and Steven Schwartz and Kathy Leo of New York City, and her four grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to The West Essex Art Association, c/o Constance Seugling, 33 Brunswick Road, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009-1401; proceeds will fund the Ralph and Letty Steinhart Memorial Award.