Steven Allan Hewitt, 74, of Warren died on May 2, 2016. Born to the late Harry Jefferson and Marjorie Potts Hewitt in Queens, New York, on October 24, 1941, Steve graduated from the New York State Merchant Marine Academy at Fort Schuyler in 1962 with a bachelor of science degree.
Early in his distinguished maritime career, Steve worked on ships in the North Sea, sailed around the world twice and sailed extensively to South America. For over 25 years, he worked on container ships running between East Coast U.S. ports and San Juan, Puerto Rico, including 10 years as captain of the S.S Guayama. Steve’s astute assessments of weather and his prudent navigation in this active hurricane region were highly respected. On board and off, Steve was known for his energy, leadership and seamanship. For much of Steve’s career, he was in the enviable position of working half of the year on ships and having half on vacation.
Steve first came to the Mad River Valley in the late 1960s. Driving a VW Carman Ghia the length of Vermont and skiing everywhere along the way, he stopped at Sugarbush and stayed for the winter, selling lift tickets and ski bumming. From then on, The Valley was his home.
A competitive, strong and graceful athlete, Steve was adept at many sports. He competed in and for several years coordinated the old Sugarbush ski bum races. He played tennis, ran, raced bicycles, cross-country skied and golfed. Steve earned his pilot’s license at the Warren-Sugarbush Airport and enjoyed flying here and in Puerto Rico.
Steve and Mary Gow married in 1983. He treasured time with their daughters, Elizabeth and Emily. His family already misses his compassion, colorful storytelling and wry sense of humor.
Steve faced his long struggle with Parkinson’s disease with tenacity. Active and upbeat, Steve enjoyed outings until days before his death, often assisted by family friend and caregiver Susan Lee of Granville.
Steve is survived by his wife, Mary Gow; daughters, Elizabeth and Emily Hewitt; and father in-law, Bob Gow, all of Warren. He leaves three brothers and their wives: Peter and Isabel Hewitt of Monroe, New York; Don and Mary Hewitt of Westtown, New York; Jery and Jennifer Hewitt of Warwick, New York; and nieces and nephews. Steve is also survived by two stepbrothers and three stepsisters and their families.
A private memorial service will be held in June. Memorial contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation are appreciated: www.michaeljfox.org.
