‘We were his world.’ COVID-19 takes the ‘amazing’ Wayne Sternberg of Lakewood Ranch
Wayne Sternberg loved everything about family living, from his wife’s cooking and baking, to playing with his grandchildren, and exploring Disney’s Magic Kingdom with them.
The retired banking executive and Lakewood Ranch resident was also an accomplished woodworker, starting at age nine by making a rabbit hutch, and moving on to making complex model boats. He completed his last model boat in September 2019. It was an enormous undertaking, a model of King George II’s yacht Royal Caroline, which was built in 1749.
On Aprll 7, 2020, Mr. Sternberg’s life ended at age 71 when he died from complications of COVID-19 at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
“He died in a war against a global virus. He caught it so early, just when the country was starting to deal with it from scratch,” his wife, Joanne Sternberg, said.
With his two local grandsons, Mr. Sternberg also completed Walt Disney’s 100th Anniversary Steamboat Willie Model with Mickey Logo after Christmas.
“I don’t know how to put in a sentence how amazing he was. Or the impact he had on my mom and my brother and me for the last, almost, 40 years. And then seeing him with my boys and how literally he would light up and his eyes would twinkle around them,” his stepdaughter Jeanne Grose said.
“We were his world. So much left to do and things that he won’t be around to see. Little everyday things like soccer games, bike rides, time in the pool or building a LEGO set. Breaks my heart for them, too,” Grose said.
Wayne and Joanne were Disney enthusiasts since the 1980s. After moving to Florida in 2002, they became annual pass holders and Disney became their last-minute, go-to vacation for many festivals and personal celebrations. Earlier this year, before he fell ill, Wayne and Joanne took the entire family of nine on a three-day vacation to Disney World.
Wayne, Joanne, and Jeanne moved to Sarasota, in 2002 for his new job and to be here for Joanne’s parents. They had many good years with them at Siesta Key Beach, family celebrations, dinners and golf before they passed away.
Wayne loved cats and had one when he married Joanne. Throughout the years there were four cats, with the last one passing at the age of 22 years old. With the arrival of grandchildren living in Bradenton, the family gained a new center of attention.
Wayne and Joanne also enjoyed car shows in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota and Sun and Fun Fly-In Plane Shows in Lakeland. On one of their anniversaries, they flew in a Vietnam era Huey helicopter for about 20 minutes, going over swamps, fields and cattle. They went to air shows in Venice, North Port, and elsewhere, and even met one of the last Doolittle Raiders pilots.
Wayne played golf a few days a week with his friends in the Legacy Mens Golf Association. Even after a long day of golf, he was ready for the next thing to do. He lovingly drove his wife to errands, appointments or to go visit his grandsons. He looked forward to when they would come spend time with him in the pool or riding bikes together.
He loved projects around his house or working on projects with his son-in law. He liked to stay busy. Nothing was too big or too small for his time.
“Everyone knew him. The Publix workers, the pharmacist at Walgreens. Because he was always asking about them when he saw them. How they were. What was new with their family,” Jeanne Grose said.
After the family moved to Florida, Mr. Sternberg joined the Legacy Mens Golf Association (2006-2020), Rotary Club of Sarasota (2003-2007) and Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch (2007-2010). He also served on the Rotary Club of LWR Winefest Board in 2009.
“He was a wonderful man, and easy to talk to. He was a big contributor to our club and to our Rotary organization,” said Ron Myers of the Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club. “One year he was responsible for seeking donations of wine for the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest, which is just about a year-round job.”
Mr. Sternberg was born in Bad Axe, Mich., in 1948 to Walter and Beatrice Sternberg.
His attended Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Mich., and Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. Wayne started his banking career in 1972 in Lansing, Mich. and retired in Florida from Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo) as vice president, commercial relationship manager with 34 years in banking.
While working for Bank One/NBD (now JPMorgan Chase), he was recognized as the No. 1 City Executive at Bank One at a California Awards Ceremony receiving the Award from Jamie Dimon, CEO.
Wayne served as advisory board member and chairman for Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University (1989-2001) and chairman in 1993. He was a board member of Ingham Regional Healthcare Foundation (1992-2001) in Lansing, Mich.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne, step-son, Thomas Bengtson (Eliana and step-grandson, Caelan, 2) of Washington, D.C.; step-daughter, Jeanne Grose (Jason and step-grandsons; Jonah, 6 and Jaxon, 4) of Bradenton.
Also surviving are his brothers; James Sternberg (Angela) of Pinckney, Mich., and John Sternberg (Jan) of Moses Lake, Wash., along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be no formal funeral but if you can contribute to the Lakewood Ranch Hospital ICU COVID-19 Nurses Fund (for those who cared for Mr. Sternberg). Contributions may be mailed to step-daughter Jeanne Grose at 5328 87th St. W., Bradenton 34210 who will be handling the Nurses Fund.
This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 3:11 PM.
