Everett Hartwell Steinmetz – Captain, United States Navy

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Captain “Steiny” Steinmetz of Brooklyn and Rockville Center, New York, and Los Alamitos and, more recently, Fullerton, California died October 12, 2004 after 91 years of a generous, full and exciting life.

With the United States Navy and the love of his life, Dorothy Wise Steinmetz, he experienced life to its fullest and richest extent. Steiny was appointed to the United States Naval Academy and graduated with the class of 1935. His U.S. Navy career was both storied and routine but never dull. In World War II, Steiny served in the European waters after Germany invaded Poland.

In the Pacific he commanded the submarine Crevalle (SS 291) on its final war patrol as a member of the now legendary Hellcats. The Hellcats were a “nine boat wolf pack that penetrated the minefields guarding the Sea of Japan with great success.”

To this day, members of the Sub Vets… the crew of the submarine, Crevalle… have held Steiny in their warmest and highest regard for his personal attention to them, his dedication to duty, and his leadership in bringing them home from the War. All were a vital part of “The Greatest Generation.”

Steiny's life was filled with far more than the routine of life. And nothing in Steiny's life matched the unwavering and adoring relationship he and his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Wise Steinmetz shared together. Dorothy died in 1999. Together they shared a life of military adventures and the warmth of an extended family numbering well over one hundred family members on both coasts. He had great fondness and love for each of his 16 nieces and nephews and as they grew up he was always there for comments. These ranged from guidance such as that in a letter to a nephew in 1954 who was off to college that “alot of sacrifices have been made to send you to college… I am sure that you appreciate this. My only advice is that when you are tempted to forget i t — don't”… to fun things such as sending a few dollars to a niece on her way to New York for the first time telling her to stop in at Nedicks (a sort of fruit juice bar at the time).

Steiny brought a sense of humanity to everyone he touched. He was never distant. He was always thoughtfully involved. And he was always quick with the wry comment or loving remark right up until the very last days of his life. Steiny received the Navy Cross and Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross, but among the commendations and numerous battle stars the “awards” he seemed to cherish most were the personal relationships of his family life. And, indeed, his family probably cherished him even more. Steiny brought a grand sense of humility and style, of humor and thoughtfulness to each and every one he touched. Steiny was one of the world's rare people that family and friends will always remember.

Interment will be with his wife, Dorothy, at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC. Since Steiny's life was so broad and touched so many aspects of life, his family suggests memorial tributes may be given to the charity of your choice.

A gathering in Steiny's honor will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. Stricklin/Snively Mortuary, 1952 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA (562) 426-3365.

Courtesy of His Grandson: Tom David

EVERETT HARTWELL STEINMETZ
PEARL HARBOR, HI – 1945
Rate / Rank Captain
Service Branch: USN
Service Dates: 6/1931 – 7/1965
Born: 7/22/1913 at Brooklyn New York

CHIEF OF STAFF, COMMANDER MINE FORCE USPACFLT
CHIEF OF STAFF, COMMANDER SERVICE SQUADRON THREE SOUTH FLEET
COMMANDER DESTROYER SQUADRON THREE
CO, USS BRYCE CANYON AD-36
COMMANDER SUBMARINE DIVISION THIRTY ONE
NAVY CROSS W/GOLD STAR
NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL W/COMBAT ‘V' & GOLD STAR

STEINMETZ, EVERETT H
CAPT   US NAVY
WORLD WAR II, KOREA

  • DATE OF BIRTH: 07/22/1913
  • DATE OF DEATH: 10/12/2004
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 59  SITE 2942
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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