E. Thomas Steigerwald
E. Thomas “Tom” Steigerwald of Milton, New York, a longtime member of the Skidmore Shop staff, died Monday, February 8, 2016. He was 72.
The Saratoga Springs native was born July 10, 1943, a son of Joseph and Helen Steigerwald.
Tom joined the Skidmore community in 1980 as a stockroom clerk in the Skidmore Shop and retired in 2007. His co-workers recall his cordial approach and generous nature. Dawn Greenlaw, assistant director of operations, said that Tom “was always there for you. He was the first in line to help.” She called him “one of a kind.”
Barbara Heron was director of the shop during Tom’s tenure. “I hired him in 1980,” she remembered, adding that he came well recommended. “He was kind and very giving, and always looked out for colleagues.” It was not unusual for Tom to clean off the cars of co-workers during winter storms, said Barbara. “He would do anything for you,” she added.
Tom also worked at the Saratoga Raceway harness track. “He loved the people and his time there,” said Dawn.
Family was the central focus of Tom’s life. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. Campus Post Office staffer Tom Bayer noted that Tom Steigerwald often spoke about his grandchildren with pride and love.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Kathy (Dingmon); their children Jeffrey (Deborah) Steigerwald and Colleen Holloway; siblings Richard, Shirley Simpson, and his twin brother, John; and grandchildren Mikayla, Kaitlyn, Soleil, and Nicholas.
Devotion to work and love of family were important aspects of Tom’s life.