Stephan Robert "Steve" Leimberg

1943 - 2022

Born Sept. 11, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pa., Steve Leimberg grew up in North Wildwood, N.J., along with his surviving siblings, Marcia, Gary and Eugene Leimberg. An Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, Steve graduated from Temple University, the first in his family to do so, later receiving his JD from Temple, as well.
Steve Leimberg was a uniquely creative out-of-the-box thinker, serving as law professor at the American College of Financial Services, at Temple and at Villanova universities and via webinars. In 1984, with business partner Bob LeClair, Steve created Number Cruncher, an electronic spreadsheet for estate, business and financial planners which led to the formation of Leimberg & LeClair, Inc., now Leimberg, LeClair and Lackner. In 2000, he introduced Leimberg Information Services, Inc. (LISI), a groundbreaking idea creating a unique information source: the first web-based data and analysis platform for the insurance, legal and financial industries. The tagline at the end of every LISI article for years, perhaps since inception, has read: "Hope this helps you and others make a positive difference." That was not just a tagline, but how Steve approached all of us, and perhaps life itself.
Steve also authored or co-authored numerous award-winning books and newsletters. A skilled orator, he frequently received requests to speak at major conferences, universities and government agencies such as the IRS, FBI and NASA. Steve was well versed in Judaic history, tradition and philosophy and enjoyed sailing, bringing his 50-foot Amel across the Atlantic to the United States from France.
To his friends and acquaintances on Amelia Island, he was known as an artist, philanthropist and political activist. Along with local photographers Dawna and Scott Moore, he provided visual images of the life and beauty on Amelia Island and Northeast Florida. Some of his books include "A Day on Amelia," "White Oak," "Meet Me on Amelia," "Birds of Amelia I" and "Birds of Amelia II," which gave him the nickname of "The Bird Man of Amelia." He also captured many "faces of Amelia Island" through portraits of residents in multiple venues. Additionally, Steve contributed his time and talent in support of many local organizations and events. He served as board member of Wild Amelia and the Island Art Association and was a member of the police auxiliary. He used his photographic skills to support local causes, to honor officers and staff of the Fernandina Police Department and promote cultural events at the Amelia Community Theater, Amelia Musical Playhouse and Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival and Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library. He also made time to speak out on issues affecting the sustainability of the local environment – as well as his life-long commitment to social and economic justice.
Above all, Steve was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He is survived by his wife, Jo-Ann Leimberg; daughter, Charlee Sterling (Robert); daughter, Lara Akerman (Dan Kohan); stepson, John Egly-Russell; and three wonderful grandchildren, Max Sterling, Aaron Sterling and Julia Kohan. Steve lovingly encouraged us all to be brave and take chances.
His absence will also be felt by his many, many friends, relatives and acquaintances. Steve was an extraordinary listener, one of those people who walked out of any room with two new friends. His knowledge, empathy and keen eye for unseen details of the world he lived in made everyone he touched better for the experience. Fortunately, we can continue to see the world through Steve's eyes and honor his memory by viewing the portraits, landscapes and unseen treasures at his website www.unseenimages.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Steve's honor to any of the following charities: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation, Take Stock in Children, The North Florida Land Trust "Amelia Forever" campaign, Barnabas, Nassau Humane Society or The Island Art Association.