William R. Steiner

William R. Steiner, 56, 'loved New York' Every year, William R. Steiner meticulously researched the automobile market before he traded in his car for a newer model. He was particularly fond of sports cars, especially the six Corvettes he owned over the years.

But eight years ago, when his eldest child turned 16 and began to drive, Mr. Steiner gave up Corvettes in favor of cars that are better suited for inexperienced drivers, said his wife, Russa.

This year, the Steiner family's fleet included a Mercedes, a Honda, an Audi, a Jeep and a Nissan.

Mr. Steiner, 56, was working on the 97th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center when a hijacked plane crashed into the building on Sept. 11.

Mr. Steiner, who was known as Bill, was a managing director of information technology at Marsh Inc., an insurance company that is a unit of Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc. Mr. Steiner had worked for the parent company for more than 30 years.

Born in Newark, Mr. Steiner graduated from Weequahic High School in 1962 and later attended St. John's University's branch in Manhattan, earning degrees in business administration, computer science and reinsurance.

He met his wife, Russa, at a friend's wedding in 1966. The couple married in 1969 and lived in Edison, Los Angeles and Hamilton Township before settling in Solebury Township, Pa., in 1987. Mr. Steiner continued to commute to Lower Manhattan from Pennsylvania.

"He loved New York, his wife said. "He loved the excitement, the fast pace, the opportunity."

Mr. Steiner fathered three children: Meredith, 23, Jordan, 21, and Darren, 18. "He was very involved with them," his wife said. "He spoiled the children."

In addition to his wife and children, Mr. Steiner is survived by his mother, Wilma E. Steiner of Bethlehem, Pa.; his brothers, George W. Steiner of Toms River and Robert Steiner of Bethlehem, Pa.; and his father, George H. Steiner of Hackettstown.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at the Stephen J. Buck Memorial Theater of New Hope/Solebury High School, 180 W. Bridge St., New Hope, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the attention of Beth Geibe, William R. Steiner Children Memorial Fund, First Union Bank, 336 W. Bridge St., New Hope, Pa. 18938.