Richard L.(Dick)Steubing, on December 7, 2021, was peacefully released from his earthly bonds surrounded by family in the home he so loved after 94 long and prosperous years of serving family, friends, and his country. He is finally reunited with his beloved wife Claire who preceded him 9 years prior. When she finally releases him from that long awaited embrace, he will also be reunited with his eldest son Richard. We take tremendous solace knowing his life long companions, most notably his sister in laws and brother in laws, finally celebrate the last missing member of what we most lovingly and respectfully call ”The Greatest Generation”.
Dick joined the Navy towards the end of WW2 and faithfully served his country. Upon his Honorable Discharge in December 1947, he migrated back to his home and his adoring parents, Julius and Hilda in Fairport, NY. Within 2 weeks of his return, he met Claire Darby from Bergen, NY shortly before Christmas. It would prove to be the beginning of a life long partnership of love and devotion to each other. He very quickly decided to take full advantage of the GI bill to further his education. He enrolled into the engineering program at RIT. This decision led to an internship with General Motors at the Rochester Products Division. He eventually found his true calling joining the purchasing department and rising to the title of Senior Divisional Buyer.
He decided in 1983, after successfully raising 5 children( 4 boys and 1 girl ), that it was time to rededicate his time to Claire, who faithfully tended to and nurtured those 5 rambunctious youngsters (6 year span between oldest and youngest) , while he provided the capital resources to provide for this crew. From that time forward, they were able to fully enjoy once again each others company. Every year in the Fall, they made it a point to pack up their trusty GM vehicle and head West, the first stop always being Notre Dame. They both were life long fans of The Fighting Irish. From there, it was off to Beaver Creek in Colorado and then many times to California to explore the Pacific Coast from San Francisco to San Diego visiting their youngest son Mathew and his wife.
Every summer beginning with their honeymoon, Cape Cod was a sought after vacation destination. We all shared some of our greatest memories from those yearly pilgrimages spent with aunts, uncles , and cousins which for some of us continue still. We all were born with salt and sand in our DNA.
Later in life when Claire developed Alzheimer’s Disease, Dick tended to her every need and nursed her at home for as long as he was physically able. When the task was too much for any of us to handled and she was forced to move to a nursing home, he never abandoned her. He visited her every day form breakfast to after dinner time and sat by her side making his love and presence known. That disease became an affliction he suffered from in his late life but he fought it hard and remained relevant though diminished in his final years.
Dick is predeceased by his wife Claire, son Richard and grandchild Cyrus. He is survived by his sons; Mark(Patricia), Christopher(Lisa), Mathew(Alison) his daughter Mary Jo(Frank) Melia and daughter in law Roxanne Steubing. He adored his 13 grandchildren; Kevin(Petra), Katie(Rob), Jessica, Matthew(Alicia),Rebecca(David), Michael(fiancé Emily), Amanda(Marc), Ryan(Kaitlyn), Rachael, Julie(Sean), Jackie(Nate), Richie(Sarah), and Julius. He was further blessed with 16 Great-Grandchildren whom he loved and cherished greatly.
His Kind and Gentle Spirit will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him. His legacy for us will be that of a true Gentleman and Patriarch who’s example will hopefully be passed on to future generations of offspring. That will be his most enduring gift to this world he left behind.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY on December 16 at 11:00 am. Masks are required.
Comments
24 responses to “Steubing, Richard L.”
This McEntee family ,Joseph and Christine are moved by the loving sentiments of a son who has described the legacy of his father; His successes and commitment to his family. There is no doubt that Mr. Steubing will live on in his children and grandchildren who exemplify good living and caring community members. We are sad for your loss . Keep sharing those precious memories.
Thanks for the kind words Chris. He set the bar extremely high for the rest of us.
We are sad for your loss but believe your fathers love of family snd community will live on through you snd your children and grandchildren. Keep sharing the memories and as you so eloquently wrote, he is with his loved ones in Peace. Sincerely, Joe snd Chris McEntee
Mark. What a wonderful life your dad had, I’m sure he realized how blessed he was. My condolences to you and the family he left behind.
Thank you Richard your thoughts are very much appreciated.
Mark, what a wonderful life your dad had. He must have been a wonderful inspiration growing up. My condolences to you and your family.
A true gentlemen, I looked forward to his visits at our office. Wonderful conversations with him from skiing in Ellicottville to family time he had at the Cape…Your family is in our thoughts..
Thank You Don. He actually enjoyed his visits to your office. How many Dentist’s can claim that victory.
I am deeply grateful for the service of Mr. Steubing, his accomplishments, and his legacy in the town of Perinton. To his family – you have my sincere condolences. May your memories give you peace and happiness.
Thank You for the kind words Bill.
Dear Steubing,
Thank you for such a moving, beautiful testament to Dick’s life you’ve given to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. We’ll miss him but he lives on in your words. Every time I’d see Dick and Claire they exuded love, it just radiated from them. What great gifts they gave you..Mary Jo, Chris, Lisa and everyone, take care of yourselves after his journey and your loss. Know that Dick and Claire are looking over you, standing next to you, living on in your hearts and souls. Loving you all from 47. JQ
Thank You for that testament Jan. It wasn’t just In our imagination.
I had the definite pleasure of working with Dick Steubing during my early years at Rochester Products ( late 1970s and early 1980s ) . He was clearly devoted both to his family and his work. I remember him carrying sheet cakes into the work for various events. I considered him one of several very good role models I had early in my career. Peace and thoughts to his family!
Thank You for your fond remembrance Ted. It’s nice to hear from outside the family experience.
Dear Mark and Patti,
I have many fond memories of your Dad and Mom! He truly was a gentleman and loved his entire family! We are keeping you close in our prayers and hearts!
Keith and Jane Curry
Thank You for sharing that Kieth.
Dick was a real class act and an absolute professional. I enjoyed my many interactions with him over the years be it in a purchasing or selling mode. He was always a gentleman.
Thank You for your kind endorsement Doug. It’s very comforting to hear.
To the whole Steubing family, I feel very blessed to have know both your father and your mother. I am glad that they are in the loving arms of each other. They were both truly remarkable people and have raised truly remarkable children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. My sincere sympathy to the whole family, Dale (Hygienist)
Thank You so much for those lovely words Dale. You were always so good to him through the many years and he appreciated your caring attention as do we all.
My deepest sympathy to the whole Steubing family.. Dick was a true gentleman. My dad worked with him at GM for many years,and I’ll always remember his kindness to my mother with his frequent phone calls to her after my dad died. Claire and Dick were great examples of creating a loving family..
Thank You for sharing that Bonnie. They definitely counted your parents as dear and life long friends. Now they are all finally reunited.
Our prayers to you and Patty during this difficult time. We happened to be visiting SJR when they mentioned your dad’s passing. So sorry to hear this sad news and the loss of another of the Greatest Generation. He now joins our other relatives for his heavenly reward.
God Bless.
Thanks for the kind words Paul. He truly is in the best of competition now.