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Saul Steiner Obituary

Saul J. Steiner, 80, of Westerly, passed away Aug. 15, 2012. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 38 years, Sarah (Rockey) Steiner. He was a graduate of Norwich University, class of 1953, and was commissioned as 2LT in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, serving in Germany during the Korean War. Saul was a correspondent for the Providence Journal and was a teacher for 30 years with Westerly High School. He was also a member of American Legion Post 16 in Westerly.
A committal service with military honors will be Friday, Sept. 14, at noon at the RI Veterans Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, R.I. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, RI Chapter, 205 Hallene Rd., Suite 209, Warwick, RI 02886, or to a charity of your choice.
The family wishes to publicly express their heartfelt gratitude to the many wonderful caregivers, community members and loving friends who reached out and helped Saul during the difficult past few months. Your thoughtfulness and kindness are deeply appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Westerly Sun from Sep. 6 to Sep. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Saul Steiner

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October 2, 2013

Miss you Saul xoxoxo Diane

January 17, 2013

I wanted to send my prayers to his family. He was a wonderful person and great teacher. I have been through a lot in my life and I always remember his support and guidance. He was my mentor and I wish I had told him this, he turned me on to writing and words....yes the words that make you converse with others...thank you and rest in peace...Stephen M.Celico, Writer, poet and thankful....

Cheryl Phillips

October 1, 2012

I always remember him as my teacher at WHS in 1972. I used to love him, he was great. I used to think it was so funny because he would listen to all you had to say and then write a big TS on the blackboard, the YS was for Tough Story..

Joseph Barboza

September 27, 2012

Saul Steiner was by far the best -most educated-teacher i have ever known....we will miss you saul

September 26, 2012

Mr Steiner was my favorite teacher during high school you will be sadly missed condolences to the family of Mr Steiner

Joanne LaChapelle

September 14, 2012

Mr. Steiner was my English Teacher my junior year in High School. I still remember some of the words he made us learn. RIP

Paul Williamson

September 12, 2012

"You look like I feel!" Forty years later I am still trying to determine whether it was an insult, delivered as it was from the tip of his sharp tongue, or a compliment, delved from his depths of wit, heart and conscience. And that, my fellow reminiscers, was probably his point. He certainly beat us daily with inside jokes that had profound value. The payback? A Guest Book cluttered with pearls and fond memories of a great man.

Janet Pellegrino

September 12, 2012

My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. Mr. Steiner was a brilliant teacher and one admired by many. I am forever grateful to say that I was a student in his English class. God Bless you with his peace Mr. Steiner.

Sincerely,
Janet Pellegrino

Daniel Dinoto

September 11, 2012

From September 1969 to June 1970 my educational experience was transformed from previously mundane,dogmatic exercises of memorization and repetition to the blossoming of thoughtful insight and deductive analysis. My personal renaissance was orchestrated by an absolute Jewel of a teacher whose name was Saul Steiner. The contagion of Mr. Steiner's own insatiable intellectual curiosity was the gift he gave to me and, no doubt, hundreds of other young students who were fortunate enough to spend an hour a day in his chamber....the one without a pencil sharpener. Mr. Steiner had as sharp a wit as anyone I have ever met, and was well versed in subject after subject from Abraham Lincoln to beekeeping. I wonder if the Westerly School Department really understood what a dynamo they had in their employ at the time? Mr. Steiner stressed to me(and to others of similar ambition) that my days of "flailing about the pasture hurling spheroids" would most likely not produce any real baleful results, and that perhaps it might be time to learn to exercise the muscle between my ears to a greater extent. I could never possibly thank him enough for the wonderful service he provided to me. He found the light switch in my intellect and he turned it on and taught me to THINK. I wish I could collect 100 stories from 100 of his students and offer it to the Department of Education as a model of excellence and dedication in the teaching profession. May god bless this man eternally for all he has given to so many. I will never forget him.

Carol Marsiglio

September 11, 2012

Mr. Steiner was my English teacher junior year at WHS. he was an amazing human being and amazing teacher. He taught me more than English. I learned to love literature and apply its lessons to my life. He inspired a countless number of students with his knowledge and wit.

September 11, 2012

Mr.Steiner was my 11th grade English teacher,too. I can recall numerous memories of his class. He was far & away the best teacher I've experienced (college included). His teachings continue to have a positive impact on my life. I was with Mr.Steiner during the year of his 'announced' engagement to the love of his life. He was so happy, and you could just feel the love when he spoke of Sarah. I'm truly sad to hear of Mr.Steiner's passing, he was indeed wonderful man. But, if he's with his Sarah again...I'm sure his smile is wide, bright, and full of life!

Sincerely,
A forever grateful student of Mr.Saul J.Steiner

Arthur Smith

September 11, 2012

Mr.Steiner was my homeroom and english teacher as a freshman and Junior 65&66, he was hard, but he got me out of my shell to become a Military Weapons Instructor for the past 43 years.

Mary Koral

September 9, 2012

I have just read the wonderful tributes to Saul. I know he would have been so pleased to be remembered in this way, as would Sally. Tara and Dan, all my love in this difficult time.
Saul's sister-in-law.

Rena Fullerton

September 9, 2012

Thinking of my years at Westerly High School and having Mr. Steiner as my English teacher. To this day, I remember the meaning of vocabulary words that we had to learn each week. I just returned from our 45th class reunion and was surprised when they told me Mr. Steiner had just passed away when I mentioned him as one of my teachers. Praying for the family at this time of loss. Rena Harrison Fullerton

Diane Martin

September 8, 2012

It wasn't until way later in life I was fortunate to have spent so much time with my friend Saul. These last 4-5 years have been very special. I didn't have him as a teacher, just home room, and always thought he was a very strict regimented individual, hard on students, not alot of fun. What did I know in high school, all we did at that age was pass judgement based on our ignorance. Saul and Mrs. Krause (who will always be Mrs. K to me as a Guidance teacher) became very close friends with my uncle through the years, and after Sarah Krause's tragic passing, which, caused such immense grief for Saul, and as my uncle became ill, Saul visited with me every single day for months on end either at the hospital or at my uncle's home, he needed a bit of solace at the time and I needed a bit of company, un til my uncle passed. We became very close friends, talked about everything imaginable, I learned so much from him, not to mention we had some great times shooting our 22's! Even as his health worsened, his love of hand guns and rifles still excited him and he would always offer me good sound advice! I particularly enjoyed our annual Newport trip to the VA Hospital, it was an honor to drive him there knowing how he served our country and that I could reciprocate in some way. We so loved our lunches at Ruby Tuesdays! He visitied my home on many holidays, sharing his knowledge and wisdom with us all! And whom (and I stress whom-lol) shall I call to ask political questions now, I hate politics, Saul new that and patiently explained to me things I never knew. We sat at lengths watching the birds coming to his bird feeders at his home, he knew just about everything about every kind of bird. He would always be amazed that I could hoist up a 50 lb. bag of bird seed into his storage container until my next visit! And our trips to Watch Hill to get an ice cream at St. Claire's was always enjoyable, so much to talk about when you really got to know him. Yes, Saul was a man of boundary's indeed, however; when you got through, he was a delightful human being that certainly taught you more than you ever bargained for in a very honorable fashion. I will miss you my friend....Rest In Eternal Peace, Much Love,your friend...Diane Coburn Martin

Nancy King

September 8, 2012

It warms my heart to read the entries on Mr. Steiner. I too feared getting assigned to his class. My brother and sister both had him before me and respected him greatly, but always imparted that he was a very serious and strict teacher. When I got to his class, I was delighted to find he not only had very sharp wit, but was wonderfully encouraging to anyone who showed the slightest bit of enthusiasm about the material. I know I felt a great sense of accomplishment and confidence after my Junior year having benefitted from the wealth of his knowledge.

Kenneth Olsen

September 7, 2012

When I found out I had Mr. Steiner for Junior English, I panicked. I hadn't done that well in my Sophomore year. I ran to the Guidance office and saw my counselor (Sarah Krause) and demanded an immediate change. (not knowing they were dating at the time!!) She convinced me to "try it" for a week or two. I never went back to her. She passed me in the hallway one day and asked if I still wanted to change...she knew the answer. A teacher I was "afraid" of, turned out to be the most respected and honored teacher - and later friend - that I've ever known. God bless him and his family.

September 7, 2012

I did not have Mr. Steiner as a teacher when I attended Westerly High School, but I was aware of his presence. I did have the pleasure of being a caregiving to him just prior to his passing. What a smile! When I entered his room I could always expect a pleasant greeting and that beautiful smile. While all of my co-workers called him Saul, I could not. He was alway Mr. Steiner to me, someone who deserved all of my respect.
Mr. Steiner, I really miss that smile, you always made my day and I will miss you.
Gail (Collins) Sullivan from the Elms

Jim Liguori

September 7, 2012

Mr. Saul Steiner was probably.....no definitely.....one of the best "instructors".....whose classroom I was fortunate enough to be a part of. Always impeccably dressed and groomed, the ever present 3-piece suit and watch fob (while others
wore jeans).....He was a man of distinction....a true educator. Many of my classmates....must remember his immense vocabulary.....and the everyday...."pearls of wisdom"......not to mention his spelling quizzes. Yes.....spelling quizzes in High School. Ever present in my mind.....I can still hear his voice.... "Soooo.... Mr. Liguuuuurrrrri....what 'pearl of wisdom have you brought to your classmates today...? hmmmmm?" RIP Mr. Steiner....you are probably correcting my grammatical errors from the heavens......I will never forget you......BTW.......did anyone know that he use to volunteer his time, answering the phone and dispatching at the Westerly Police Department, so officers could spend Christmas with their families? Not only that......but he was a crackerjack shot with a handgun.......Again Mr. Steiner.....RIP....;)

Kim Cullinane Pearson

September 7, 2012

Mr. Steiner was my all-time favorite teacher. Because he expected the very best from us, he truly motivated me to give him my best. I would actually look forward to my home work assignments and I couldn't wait to get to his class! Mr. Steiner believed in me at a time when I didn't believe in myself. I still think of him when I say, "How apt." I will always be grateful for his kindness. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Valerie Ahern

September 7, 2012

Mr. Steiner was the BEST teacher. I will never forget his Pearls of Wisdom! He demanded your excellence and he commanded respect. Godspeed, Mr. Steiner. May you rest in peace.

Leah Parrilla Root

September 7, 2012

to the Steiner family:

I also had Mr Steiner for English in the late 60's. He was tough, demanding and exact....and I learned so much from him. I dreaded the weekly vocabulary quizzes until I sat for the SAT's and PSAT's. Thank you Mr Steiner for demanding more from me then I wanted to give or thought I was capable of giving! We need more teachers today like you.

Dorian DeSimone

September 7, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Steiner. He was my English teacher at WHS in the 70s and was one of the best teachers I had, with his sharp wit, demanding standards, and imposing personality. I owe him a debt of gratitude for my excellent vocabulary -- I silently thank Saul Steiner every time I encounter an arcane word, or when I know the subtle but important difference between the definition of "sensual" and "sensuous." He imparted a love of words, a love of learning, and a love of reading to his students, and I will always be grateful for his positive impact on my young mind. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

john clapham

September 7, 2012

To the Steiner family:
My deepest sympathy, Saul was truly a great man. I learned a lot from Mr. Steiner as his student, including a deep appreciation for vocabulary, which has helped me throughout my professional life.

Pat Marchese

September 6, 2012

My deepest sympathies goes out to the family.

September 6, 2012

A gentle scholar, a molder of young minds. Who can forget the dictionary in the corner, that required a chain fall to open? His Pearls of Wisdom? His ruthless commitment to building vocabulary? I worked beside him in journalism, too, and he was with the best. Rest easy, Mr. S.

Donna Welch

September 6, 2012

Mr. Steiner made a lasting impression on me as my Junior English teacher at WHS in the early 80's. I will never forget hearing him say many times "Miss Ferraro please approach the holy book" when a word in class would need to be looked up in the large dictionary he kept on a podium next to my desk. He was a wonderful teacher and person and he will be missed by all who knew him.

ES

September 6, 2012

Mr. Steiner was also my English teacher at WHS, and I have fond memories of him and his teaching style. During each class he would randomly single out someone for a "pearl of wisdom". We had to be prepared at all times to have an interesting "tidbit of knowledge" to share with the class. I was so sorry to read of his passing and send sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Martha Jacques

September 6, 2012

I had Mr. Steiner for Problems of Democracy in high school. He was tough...or could it be I was a bit 'too social' and would get caught a lot. He was a good teacher and a good man. We had no contact since graduation, but I'm sure he will be missed by all those who knew him well.

Edward Thorpe

September 6, 2012

Mr. Steiner and I butted heads for a school year I think was a very long one for both of us. But still, he never wavered from what I imagine was a conviction to open our young minds. He helped me learn to have strength in my OWN convictions - and to be able to back them up before opening my mouth. In spite of his stern demeanor, he had an underlying empathy and humanity revealed in glimpses by his sly and wry sense of humor. Looking back, he really was one of the best and most committed teachers I was fortunate to have. I wish there were more like him today. My deepest sympathy.

September 6, 2012

Mr. Steiner was an outstanding teacher. I was a student in his class in the early 1970s. I have great respect for him and fond memories. He was deeply intelligent, had a dry wit, and cared about his students. A fine man. Thank you, Mr. Steiner! DP

Ann Delicato

September 6, 2012

Sorry to hear about Mr. Steiner. He was my English teacher many years ago. He was without a doubt the BEST teacher I ever had. Not only was he interesting but he made everything he taught interesting. You could read a book in his class and he would make you think, really think. It was an honor to have him as a teacher.

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