Michael Steinberg

Michael Steinberg, retail executive, 97, of San Francisco and New York City, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025. He was born in Cologne, Germany, on June 26, 1928, the son of Kurt Steinberg, a lawyer and judge, and Alice Gumprich Steinberg, a PhD in physics and chemistry. The family emigrated to South Africa when his father lost his position after the Nazis came to power in 1933. He studied horticulture and agriculture at the University of Natal and managed a large nursery in Johannesburg. Dissatisfaction with the South African system of Apartheid led him to leave the country, and he spent time in London and Montreal working in clerical and factory jobs while awaiting admission to the United States.

He arrived in New York City in 1958 and worked at Max Schling Seedsman for a year before buying a nursery and landscaping business. Among his clients were Robert Motherwell, Katherine Hepburn, and a penthouse garden on Fifth Avenue, later owned by the late Leonard Lauder.

In 1966, he sold his business and took a temporary job in the Garden Shop at Abraham & Straus, a division of Federated Department Stores, in Huntington, NY. His innate managerial and leadership skills led to quick recognition, and he was promoted to management positions, eventually becoming Buyer of Sporting Goods and, later, Sheets. In 1973, he moved to Los Angeles as Merchandise Manager at Bullock's, and in 1980, joined the May Company as Executive Vice President.

He rejoined Federated in 1982 and returned to New York as Executive Vice President, Bloomingdale's. In 1985, he moved to Texas as President (and later CEO) of Federated's Sanger Harris/Foley's division until retirement in 1993. He was immediately recruited to become President and CEO of Macy's West. After retiring in 2000, he served as a retail consultant on the boards of Fossil, Gymboree, Duty Free Stores, and numerous arts and community organizations.

He was passionate about philanthropy, especially education, support for HIV/AIDS research, and underserved communities. He also supported numerous arts organizations, including Smuin Contemporary Ballet in San Francisco, New York City Ballet, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Chamber Music SF, and the SF Contemporary Jewish Museum. He established scholarships at the University of Texas and Brandeis University.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sue, an HR executive whom he met and worked with at A&S. Also surviving are numerous descendants of his mother, Alice's 12 siblings.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to your favorite arts, education, medical, or DEI initiative.