Steven James Schmelz

Steven James Schmelz, 63, of Monmouth Beach, NJ, passed away 2 years after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. He never lost hope despite his diagnosis and lived every day to the fullest. His resolve will always be remembered. 

Steven grew up in Roselle Park, where he starred on the high school basketball team. He selected Bates College in Lewiston, ME, where he was named captain of the basketball team. Steven graduated in 1979 and married his loving wife, Heidi, that same year. Steven founded Sea View Jeep and after 37 years of compassionate leadership, his business reflects employee dedication and customer loyalty. He has also been the owner of Sea Breeze Ford since 2006.

Whether you called him Steve, Dad, Boss, Coach, Uncle Steve, or G-Pa, you knew him as an honest and loyal friend - always putting the needs of others before his own. Steven gifted these values to his children, Kristina, Tyler, Tony, and Anabel. He dedicated his life to his family - coaching nearly all of their sports teams and impacting the lives of countless others. 

Steve loved sports, from driving to Shea Stadium to watch the Jets with his dad, to taking the train to the Garden, to the countless tailgates at the Meadowlands and in the Bronx. Steve loved attending a big game with friends. Steve also coached and played in the Jersey Shore Basketball League for over 30 years.  

Steven loved skiing, bike rides, Long Beach Island, his children and his grandchildren. His family asks that you think of him when you are enjoying these things with your loved ones. In addition to his wife and 4 children, Steven is survived by six grandchildren Ryerson Schmelz; Michael, Nathaniel and Eliza Farissier; and Wyatt and Theo Schmelz; his brother William John Schmelz and his sisters Johanne Kittle and Judy Todd.

There will be a private service for his family at the Church of the Precious Blood. His family will plan a public memorial service this Spring. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Steven please send a check including Steven’s name to Fulfill at 3300 Route 66, Neptune, NJ 07753 or make a donation online at https://fulfillnj.fenly.org/stevenjschmelz. Sea View Jeep and Sea Breeze Ford will match all donations.