Stephen Charles Henkel ’55

Steve, an author and sailor whose intellect and humor were much enjoyed by friends and family, died Dec. 14, 2022, in Sarasota, Fla. 

He was born Nov. 6, 1933, in Orange, N.J., son of Marvin Henkel, Class of 1925. His brother Joel was in the Class of  ’52. Prior to Princeton, Steve attended Millburn (N.J.) High School. At Princeton, he majored in mechanical engineering and joined Cloister Inn. His senior-year roommates were George Meier, Dick Turner, Frank Black, and Addison Igleheart. After Princeton, he earned an MBA from Rutgers and married his college sweetheart, Carol Pippitt.

From 1955 to 1984, Steve worked as an engineer, administrator, and business consultant, primarily in New York City. He also began writing for fun and in 1972 published his first book, Bikes. In 1984, with two partners, he founded Sailor magazine. He then became a full-time freelance writer and illustrator with hundreds of articles and three additional books published: Boating for Less, Boat Trailers and Tow Vehicles, and The Sailors Book of Small Cruising Sailboats.

After moving to Darien, Conn., in 1961, Steve and Carol became avid sailors. They were active members of the Noroton Yacht Club, and after moving to Florida in 1991, joined the Venice Sailing Squadron and Sarasota Sailing Squadron. In retirement, Steve pursued genealogical research, painting, writing a historical novel, and model sailboat racing. 

Steve was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Carol. He is survived by sons Charlie and Laird.