John T. Steimer

John T. Steimer, 101, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, his life was marked by devotion to family, respect for nature, and a commitment to education and community. 

Born November 26, 1924, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Alphonse and Elizabeth Steimer. A graduate of Munhall High School, he attended Penn State University before serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II, achieving the rank of Sergeant, and later Captain in the Army Reserves. He returned to Penn State to earn a degree in Forestry in 1949. 

He began his career as a forester with the Pennsylvania Department of Highways before joining the family business, Penn Glenn Oil Company, in 1955. He later founded Industrial Terminal Systems Inc. in New Kensington and served as president until his retirement in 1990. 

He and his wife, Nancy, met at Penn State and married in 1950 in Leechburg, Pa. They shared a lifelong commitment to philanthropy and the Penn State community. They made many major gifts within the College of Agriculture, including scholarships, a professorship, and the Forestry Building Auditorium. They contributed to the Children’s Garden and Pollinator Garden at the Arboretum at Penn State. They also made major gifts to the Sarni Tennis Center, the Bryce Jordan Center, and endowed a men’s basketball scholarship. John was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1992. 

John enjoyed tennis, golf, and spending time in nature, especially at his river home in Tidioute, PA. He will be remembered for his wisdom, generosity, and deep love of our forests. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, and his beloved dog, Dakota. 

He is survived by his children, Michael (Virginia) Steimer and Lisa Steimer (Debbie Shearer); grandchildren, Kelsi Tagliati and Samuel Steimer; and great-grandchildren, Alexander and Christian Tagliati, and Maggie, Patrick, Peter, and Joseph Steimer. 

A Mass will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Port Matilda on May 2, 2026. Visitation will be at 10 am followed by Mass at 11. 

The family would like to thank all of the Atrium employees at the Village at Penn State for their loving care of John. 

Contributions in his memory may be made to Centre County Paws at 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801, and the Arboretum at Penn State at E. Park Ave and Bigler Rd. State College, PA 16803.