William Thomas Sternberg

PAMLICO COUNTY – Our area lost a ‘real character’ on Nov. 14 when Bill Sternberg, 77, passed away at CarolinaEast Medical Center. “If I had to describe Bill in five words,” said Geraldine, his wife of 19 years, “it would be: ‘He did it his way!’”

Born in Bronx, New York, Sternberg lived for many years in Plantation, Fla. where he developed his skills as a Master Marine Mechanic. Bill and Geraldine moved to Oriental in 2001 – presumably to retire – but those plans were put on the backburner when folks in the boating community learned of Bill’s outstanding skill set, and more than affordable rates!

Bill taught his craft at Pamlico Community College and Carteret Community College. He was also an avid fisherman. The photo with this announcement – of Bill holding a massive flounder – originally ran on the front cover of Carolina Sportsman Magazine.

His beloved dogs, Frick & Frack, were a pair of ‘Labs-plus’ – they accompanied Bill wherever he went. The canine duo was often seen on the front porch of The Bean Coffee Shop. And, they always occupied the front seat of Bill’s work truck, an olive green 1978 Ford Ranger, with over 500,000 miles on the odometer.

Bill Sternberg will forever live in the hearts and minds of his family: Geraldine; son Eric and his wife Andrea; son Scott and his wife Daniela; stepdaughter Kathleen Marino of Havelock, and three grandsons Ethan, Christopher, and Nicholas.

In the spring of 2018, on a sunny and warm day, the Sternberg family plans to bid a fond farewell to Bill, as they spread his ashes near a quiet fishing hole of the Neuse River.

Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home & Crematory, Alliance.