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MILTON STERNBERG Obituary
August 15, 1941 - July 27, 2025
Milton H. Sternberg, age 83, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Born on August 15, 1941, in El Paso, Texas, Milton spent most of his formative years in Belen, New Mexico, where his lifelong love of history and culture began to take root.
In high school, Milton attended the United States Capitol Page School in Washington, D.C., where he served as a page in the U.S. Senate-appointed by then U.S. Senator Clinton Anderson, D-N.M. It was there that Milton was first introduced to national politics. After returning to Santa Fe, he attended college at St. Michael's (later the College of Santa Fe).
In 1965, Milton joined the United States Army, where he was stationed in Ethiopia and served honorably in cryptography. His time in Washington, D.C., and abroad only deepened his appreciation for history, diverse cultures, and the importance of human connection.
Milton was a beloved and respected history teacher at Santa Fe High School. Known for his engaging lessons, kind demeanor, and ability to bring the past to life, Mr. Sternberg inspired generations of students to think critically and value the stories that shape our world.
Outside the classroom, Milton was an avid collector and craftsman. His love for antiques and hands-on projects meant he was often found exploring flea markets, restoring vintage treasures, or teaching himself a new skill-be it leatherworking or stained glass. His creative spirit and curious mind were matched only by his warmth and generosity.
Milton is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Elizabeth (Libby) Sternberg; his son, Michael Brock Sternberg; daughter-in-law, Rikke Sternberg; grandsons, Leeland and Ernst; daughter, Karla Sternberg Cover; son-in-law, Brian Cover; grandchildren, Olivia and Hunter; and a wide circle of former students, friends, and extended family who will forever cherish his wisdom, humor, and kindness.
Milton will be dearly missed, but his legacy will live on in every life he touched.
A celebration of life will be held in Santa Fe at a later date. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MILTON STERNBERG
Sponsored by Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations of Santa Fe and Santa Fe Memorial Garde.
William Haynie
August 11, 2025
Mr. Sternberg was my highschool current events teacher in the 12th. grade. He was a great teacher and a genuinely nice person. He also had a very cool car. A 1968 firebird.
Elicia Montoya
August 10, 2025
Mr. Sternberg was an extraordinary teacher and human. He made history come alive and he cared about the success and education of every single student. It´s been decades since I was in high school but I´ll never forget him or how he enriched our lives. We were privileged to have him as our teacher. Rest in peace. You will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Mark Lailes
August 9, 2025
Mr. Sternberg-I will see you later Mr. Sternberg. I remember you lived across the Greer's home on Paseo. I was living with my mom on Santa Fe Ave. You made history fun.
,when
Yolanda Hesch
August 9, 2025
Milton was one of my favorite childhood playmates on Staab Street. We road trikes' together. I missed him when the Sternberg's moved away. I never forgot him. His mother was so kind to me; she spoke with a heavy German accent. I asked my mother why, and she told me the Sternberg's have come to us from Germany. Every young child knew what that meant. In 1945 when the announcement was made on the radio that WWII was over all the neighbors came out of their homes and were gleefully yelling, "The war is over", Milton and I were riding our trikes, the hullabaloo scared Milton as he was a gentle child, he left his trike and ran home crying. His mother was in their yard, she laughed, explained and comforted him. Of course, I cherish that memory as well as the wonderful Sternberg family. Please accept my condolences and may Milton's memory be for a blessing. Yolanda Sandoval Hesch
James Aranda
August 8, 2025
Loved Mr. Sternberg, one of my favorite teachers. He always told us he had a prosthetic leg but I never knew if he was kidding because he was always such fun and had amazing stories. Thank you Mr. Sternberg for everything.
Dave Kavanaugh
August 7, 2025
Mr. Sternberg was effortlessly cool. He made the content he taught relevant and interesting, and his warmth and humor helped make him a terrific teacher. His classes that included his original satirical accounts of businesses like Burger Thing and Itsnotaburger were can't-miss events. I was in Government & Economics with Sternberg in 1987-88. We used to talk about WWF wrestling -- he was a Hulkamaniac -- and joke about life in northern New Mexico. Today I'm a teacher myself, and I count Sternberg as a major influence. He will be missed but fondly remembered by many.
JoAnna Paap
August 6, 2025
Dear Libby and family; I was so sorry to hear of Milts passing. I´ll try to focus on your having a life long love. Thats a special thing! I have wanted to call since hearing the news but know from my own experience that a little time to catch your breath is sometimes wanted. I am thinking if you snd sending you love! JoAnna
Bill Beacham
August 6, 2025
Libby...I first met "Milty" way back in 68. I got to know him quite well because he was so accessible and friendly with his students. He was a gift for all of is students for so many years. I met you through school activity as well. Your work with Dossier candidates helped many teachers to increase their skills and their pay. Myself and many others would love to attend the memorial for this great man and friend. Please text ([email protected]) me when arrangements are final so I can share the news.
Emilia Lujan
August 5, 2025
Oh my goodness, I was just recently thinking about all of my teachers and right up there at the top of my most favorite and not forgotten was Mr. Sternberg who most definately was one of the best while attending Santa Fe High in the early 80's. Condolences to the entire family, thank you Mr. Sternberg and may you rest in eternal peace.
Julia Rosa Lopez Emslie
August 4, 2025
Dear Libby, I am sorry for your loss. I met Milt during our work as tutors for new teachers. A very kind person. I will keep you in my prayers. Julia Rosa Emslie
Diana Zavitz (Sissy´s walking buddy)
August 3, 2025
Libby, I´m so sorry for your loss. The obituary for Milt was lovely and helped me get to know him. I´m glad that you have your family to support you. You are in my thoughts as you begin a new chapter in your life.
Jane Bates, formerly Jane Zinn
August 3, 2025
I was lucky enough to have Milt as my supervising teacher while I did my student teaching at Santa Fe High in 1973. His example of how to deal with teen agers was instrumental to my success as a history teacher. He was always supportive and his critiques were valuable. In early 1974, Milt went to the school library and I got his job. I already knew most of the students and I loved my "D" building classroom. Milt always had a funny comment or joke to keep the atmosphere fun. I will miss Milt. He was a good friend back in the day. I hope Libby and the kids heal quickly.
Judith Duval
August 3, 2025
Condolences to the family of Milton Sternberg. Milton was a kind colleague at SFHS who kept a low profile but his reputation exuded kindness, knowledge, and decency. His students loved him and spoke highly of him. His advice about my moving out of the high altitude so my husband could survive pulmonary hypertension was sound and life saving. I'm sorry he passed on.
Lisa Connolly
August 2, 2025
You were one of my favorite teachers at SFHS in the 90s. Thanks for all the great history lessons, stories of your inventions, and the memories that fill me with the laughter I shared with classmates I will always think of fondly as we sat in the back of your classroom. Rest well, Mr. Sternberg.
Hunter Cover
July 29, 2025
I miss him so much and I loved him
Denise Simm-Honore(Brian´s Mom)
July 29, 2025
Milton i am so happy i got to know you thru Karla, and you will be truly miss and i will always have good memories of you. Sip
Olivia Cover
July 29, 2025
I will miss him so much. He was an epic grandpa and always had some great jokes to tell!
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