Steven M. Crombie Sr.
Merchant Marine and Park Ranger retiree
The family of Steven M. Crombie Sr. announces with great sadness his passing on May 26, 2025, at home.
A lifelong resident of Winthrop and a snowbird in Fort Myers, Florida, Steve graduated from Winthrop High School in 1971. An avid hockey and football player, he carried his love for sports throughout his life.
Steve went on to graduate from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1975 with a degree in Marine Engineering. After sailing supertankers with Maritime Overseas (specifically the Overseas Boston) around the world for 25 years, he retired in 2001.
But that was not the end of Steve’s working days. For the next 19 years, he worked as a park ranger for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), first with the marine unit and later at the Massachusetts State House. He loved rubbing elbows with the folks on the Hill. Steve was the man to know if you needed a parking spot at the State House!
Retiring from that role just a few years ago, Steve embraced his newfound freedom, splitting his time between his two favorite places. He loved spending winters in the sun in Fort Myers, enjoying quality time with his grandchildren. In Florida, Papa could often be found at his condo or sitting proudly in his “director’s chair” on Steven Jr.’s driveway, happily playing with his grandkids and any of their friends who came by.
In Winthrop, his summers were centered around his beloved boat, the Claire-Karen II, docked at Cottage Park Yacht Club (CPYC). Steve devoted countless hours over many years meticulously maintaining his vessel alongside his brothers, sons, and nephews. “Wax on, wax off” was always a labor of love and a happy occasion because it meant it was time to drop the boat in the water.
Hundreds of hours were spent with family and friends voyaging in and around Boston Harbor and the islands. Lovells Island was a favorite spot — the Claire-Karen II practically knew how to get there on her own! Trips to Provincetown and the Cape were always fun, even if the Claire-Karen II might get a little confused by the change of plans.
Steve’s love of the ocean was instilled in him as a young boy, learning to sail at CPYC and later becoming an instructor. His parents, William (“Putt”) and Claire Crombie, were instrumental in keeping all five of their children busy and nurturing a lifelong love of the ocean.
Steve’s approach to life was marked by two favorite phrases: “We can do this” and “It’s not complicated.” Whether tackling a project, helping a friend, or guiding his family, Steve brought a steady hand, a positive spirit, and an unwavering sense of simplicity and determination to everything he did.
Whether he was “Papa” to Reese, Payton, and Maddox; “Uncle Steve” to his many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews; or “Hey Guy” to countless friends, Steve left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Steve was predeceased by his parents, William and Claire Crombie. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy (McLean); his son, Michael Picardi; and his son, Steven Jr., and wife, Cassi. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Reese, Payton, and Maddox. Steve is also survived by his siblings: Bill and Pat Crombie, Mark and Carla Crombie, Karen and Joe Wyson, and Brian and Sherry Crombie — along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
His best friends who passed before him — Sully, Phillip, Ernie, and Justin — are surely waiting to welcome Steve again.
The family invites all friends and loved ones to a Celebration of Life on June 6 from 3 to 8 p,m. at Cottage Park Yacht Club, 76 Orlando Avenue, Winthrop, MA 02152.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cottage Park Youth Sailing 76 Orlando Avenue Winthrop, MA 02152 In memory of Steven M. Crombie Sr.
Fair winds and following seas, Admiral.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.