Eric P. Steinig

1941 - 2017

Eric Paul Steinig, 75, of Swampscott died August 21st after a year-long battle with brain cancer, an illness during which there continued to be joy and laughter, and that was preceded by an amazing and adventurous life. Eric was surrounded by his family, including his loving wife of 48 years, Rosanna Lee (Parks) Steinig. Erics progeny, as he liked to called them, include his son, Christopher Michael Steinig, daughter-in-law, Sheri Yoho Steinig, and their children Ian and Hannah, who recently moved from Rockville, MD to Denver, CO and his daughter, Erica Steinig Birke, son-in- law, Brian Robert Birke and their children, Lucas and Gavin, of Marblehead. Eric is survived by his sister, Mary Schorr of Moriarty, NM, and was preceded by his brother, Richard Steinig, and his parents, Gertrude and Eric Steinig. Eric leaves behind a large and devoted group of friends and extended family, all of whom made his life so much richer. Eric had an infectious love of life, which he decided was a better meaning for the phrase LOL. He was inspired to see the world during a youth spent consuming National Geographic magazines, and daydreaming about the world beyond his humble roots. After growing up in Chicago, IL and Albuquerque, NM, Eric set off on his travels by joining the Navy. It was in the Navy that Eric discovered his aptitude for electronics and technical work. This led him to join the submarine service, and afforded him two Western Pacific tours, marked by many lively tales. After four years in the Navy, Eric returned to Albuquerque, NM to attend the University of New Mexico. Soon thereafter, he set off for Europe to work as an electronics technician. It was in the American Arms Hotel in Wiesbaden, Germany that Eric spotted a stunning and vivacious red-headed American ex-pat, Rosanna, whom he would marry a year later in Basel, Switzerland. After they wed, Eric and Rosanna returned to Albuquerque where Eric completed his Bachelors Degree and Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering, both from the University of New Mexico. From there, Erics work as an engineer for Westinghouse, Bechtel Power Corporation and U.S. Generating Company allowed him and his family to live throughout the country and around the world, including Idaho, Arkansas, California, Maryland and even South Korea. While he worked as an engineer, Erics true passion was studying the financial markets, and he enjoyed trading stocks for most of his life. Ultimately, Eric achieved his lifes mission to see the world he had only imagined during his youth. He lived on three continents in 20 different cities, and visited more than 50 countries. After seeing the world, Eric fell in love with New England during his many trips to visit his daughter and her family in Marblehead. He and Rosanna moved to Swampscott in 2011, and enjoyed their new friends, taking bike rides and walking on the beach. Eric lived his dream retirement. He traveled extensively with Rosanna to places like Vietnam, Morocco, Argentina, and all throughout Europe; enjoyed biennial trips to the British Virgin Islands with his family; delighted in long conversations over meals and drinks with his many friends across the country; and relished time spent with his grandchildren, whom he adored. Eric was a legendary self-taught chef, and especially famous for his home-made spaghetti sauce. He read voraciously and loved to pass on his insights and lessons to family and friends. He also loved to write. In the final chapter of his life, Eric worked with his daughter to self-publish his autobiography, which he wrote throughout his life, taking memories from the extensive journals he kept along the way. Proceeds from Erics recently published book, My Adventurous Life: An Autobiography, will go to Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, with gratitude for the amazing care he received. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Eric Steinig to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 or the National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel Street, Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458. Erics family and friends will celebrate his life on Saturday, September 2 nd at 1pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford Street, Marblehead, MA 01945. Arrangements by Eustis and Cornell of Marblehead. To share a memory of Eric or to offer a condolence to his family, please visit www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com