John Steimer

John Steimer, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family Monday, November 25, 2024. He was born on September 15, 1943, in Hartford, CT, to Mary and Milford Steimer.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Edyie, to whom he was proudly married for 60 years; his daughters, Lisa Steimer and Janice Steimer-Tantimonico, his niece, Lori Calvert, and great-nephew, Zachary Calvert, all in whom he instilled his strong values of unconditional love, respect, kindness, resilience, empathy and strong work ethic. John’s greatest joy in life was being husband and father.   

John worked hard at an early age. When he was 14 years old, his work was recognized in the local newspaper during the blizzard of 1958. “A boy bought his own snowplow to clear driveways and sidewalks nearly reaching a $100 in one day. He averaged $50 a day for other storms that winter.” This was at a time when an adult’s average weekly earnings were $95. 

He planned every detail of the most recent family vacations, which included multiple destinations and exciting excursions. He only shared if we needed our passports. It was all a surprise, and we happily refer to these memories as Family Bear Adventures.

John enjoyed the simple things in life. Whether it was a Yankees baseball game or UCONN basketball game, a black and white cowboy movie, the crisp springtime air or the sight and smell of mountain laurel which always brought a smile to his face and a twinkle to his blue eyes.

John was passionate about healthcare for all, and it became his lifelong work through his 40 years at non-profit community health centers across the state. His work positively impacted many people’s lives. He was well respected by the health center communities and was known as a “Gentle Giant” for his kind heart and 6’3” stature.

John was a founding member of the Fennwyck Estates Board of Directors, serving multiple terms as Treasurer and President (sometimes simultaneously). He used his financial and leadership skills to guide the development of financial policies to ensure the success of the community’s long-term goals.

John Steimer’s legacy will forever live on through the countless lives he touched and the lessons he taught. John’s family will honor his memory and continue to advocate for quality healthcare, education and housing opportunities for all.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Daniel Gerardi, Dr. Steven Cohen, Dr. John Papandrea, and St. Francis Hospital’s Team on 10-9.

A celebration of John’s wonderful life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Brooklawn Funeral Home, 511 Brook Street, Rocky Hill, CT. John requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to CT Foodshare.