Richard Steier

Richard Steier, father, grandfather, businessman and philanthropist died on February 9th. He was born July 17th 1914. Richard Steier was predeceased by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Eleanor. Richard is survived by his four children and their spouses: Mark and Holly Steier, Rod and Elena Steier, Cindy Steier and her husband Glen Briden, and Dan and Lisa Steier; 11 grandchildren: Rachel White, Lydia Steier, Shana Uthgenannt, Rebecca Steier, Ted Steier, Jesse Delaney, Emily Petronis, Andrew Steier, Carly Steier, Julia Steier and Michael Steier. He is also survived by 5 great grandchildren: Alanna, Liza and Charlie Uthgenannt and Joshua and Abigail White. Richard was born in Vienna, Austria, and came to the United States aboard the Queen Mary following Kristallnacht. He had studied medicine at Vienna University, prior to the Nazi takeover of Austria. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corp, and in recognition of his intelligence and ability to speak German, he was transferred to the fledgling OSS. Richard was part of a group whose mission was to find German scientists and engineers, and persuade them to come to America. His life intersected with that of Charles Lindberg and Willy Messerschmitt. Richard went on to become the first sales rep hired by Duo-Fast Northeast in 1951, and through his integrity and hard work, he became the company’s owner. Richard will be remembered for his kindness, his irrepressible sense of humor, and his love of family. He will be dearly missed. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 12:30PM in the Silberman Chapel of Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington, Ave., West Hartford. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, February 12 from 2-4PM at the home of Holly and Mark Steier, 9 Stonefield Rd., Avon 06001. Charitable donations can be made in Richard Steier’s memory to the UConn Women’s Basketball Program. Please make checks payable to: The UConn Foundation, Inc. and in memo line write: Richard Steier for WBB, and send checks to: 2390 Alumni Drive Unit 3206, Storrs, 06269, or to the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford , 333 Bloomfield Ave. West Hartford 06117, or to Connecticut Public Television, 200 Colt Drive, Farmington 06032. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions or to sign the guest book for Richard, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com