Richard Joseph Steigerwald
Richard Joseph Steigerwald, 75, of Saratoga Springs, died February 11, 2016. Richard was “a staple on the front desk of the Williamson Sports Center,” according to Associate Athletic Director Megan Buchanan. He was the husband of Skidmore retiree Anita Steigerwald and the brother of Tom Steigerwald, also a Skidmore retiree, who passed away February 8.
Born on June 18, 1940, to the late Joseph and Helen Steigerwald, Richard graduated in 1958 from Saratoga Springs High School. For more than 25 years he managed six Mobil gas stations in Saratoga Springs, along with Steigerwald's Towing Service. He sponsored many local civic organizations through his businesses.
He later worked for many years for Saratoga County at Maplewood Manor, at Prestwick Chase, and most recently at Skidmore as a part-time building supervisor and sports center monitor. Gail Cummings-Danson, athletics director and interim dean of students, called Richard “a straight shooter.” She added, “He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his quirky jokes. He was also a loyal, dependable employee.”
Megan Buchanan hired Richard in 2005 to staff the main desk in Williamson Sports Center. She called him “a kind soul, deep down,” and said, “He would be the person that I’d call if I needed something at 3 a.m.” The sports center was a great location for him, according to Megan. “He enjoyed interacting with the many people who came in and he liked working with the students. He loved his work here.”
Richard enjoyed detailing cars and attending car races and shows. Boating and snowmobiling were two pastimes, and he was a devoted country music fan. A true “people person,” he was always making friends and striking up conversations with individuals from all walks of life.
Paul Arciero, professor of health and exercise sciences, looked forward to coming to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when Richard was on the desk. “I knew I’d get a rich dose of wisdom on those days,” said Paul. “Richard was fascinating to talk to. His life experience was amazing. I found it meaningful to talk with him.”
Richard’s survivors include wife Anita; daughter Tiffany (Simon) Batifort and grandchildren Céleste and Augustin Batifort; former wife Lynne and their children, Stacie Sabino, Laurie Cusumano, and Nile (Annemarie) Steigerwald; grandchildren Maja Sabino, Brianna and Joseph Cusumano, and Connor, Brendan, and Grace Steigerwald; great-granddaughter Sierra Santos; and sister Shirley Simpson and brother John Steigerwald. Richard’s son Scott Steigerwald predeceased him.