Frederick D. Steiber

Fred Steiber, 96, of Norwich N.Y., passed away early Monday morning, June 28, 2021 in his home, exactly where he wanted to be. He was born June 5, 1925 in New Hyde Park, NY, to parents Harry and Alice Steiber. On May 4, 1951, he married Jean (Kuhn) Steiber. Fred was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Harry Steiber and Hubert Estey and his sister Alice Seibert.

He resided in the Norwich and Chenango Lake area since the 1950s, previously living in the Morris/ Edmeston area. Prior to locating upstate, he lived in various locations across the NYC/Long Island area, where he proudly followed his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the US Navy in June of 1943. Fred served aboard the USS Concord, a Light Cruiser, across the Pacific theater during WWII. His rank was SKG2 (Storekeeper, 2nd Class). He was especially proud that on August 12, 1945, the USS Concord fired the last recorded naval artillery launch of WWII. He left the Navy in June of 1946, only to return for the Korean War/Conflict from May 1951 thru September 1952 patrolling the Cuba area aboard the USS Bluebird and USS Hambleton. This was followed by Naval reserve duty until 1958, with a total of seven medals awarded.

Upon returning from Naval service, he worked for Sheffields, SageCraft and eventually became self employed as a home contractor. Fred came from an automotive family and eventually developed a hobby, that became a full-time business, of making customer wood parts for many antiques vehicles from Model A’s to full Woodie Wagons. Each summer he traveled across the US to a number of Car Shows, selling his wood to what would be, thousands of antique cars, over a 40 year period. He passed his interests in antique cars and woodworking to his son, Chris, who often traveled with him to the shows. As he became older, his woodworking transitioned into making cutting boards, rocking horses and various wood gifts. These were given to people that provided him a nice gesture, especially in the local medical field. These gifts will survive as a memory of him.

Fred was an incredibly hard working and independent man, who wanted nothing for free. He held strong values that you get what you work for. He was active within weeks of his death and still had plans of what he wanted to accomplish. He had a strong wit, that you needed to be prepared for. He loved nature and spent many hours with a dog by his side in a chair, or hand feeding a squirrel or chipmunk, that he had tamed. He was a hero, not for his military service, but instead for life he provided for his family throughout many difficult financial and health times.

In addition to being survived by his wife Jean of 70 years, he is survived by his children Melissa (Bob) Harrison of Alpharetta Ga, and Christopher (Gail) Steiber of Norwich. Also surviving are six grandchildren that he was very proud of their accomplishments: Elise Harrison of Ga, Reid Harrison of Virginia, Tyler Steiber (Ashley Revette) of New Berlin NY, Garrett Steiber (Olivia Jankowski) of Harrisburg Pa, Cora Ashcraft of Cooperstown NY, Kayleigh (Michael) Natoli of Sherburne. He is also survived by 6 great grandchildren (Marasynn, Brenley, Kinsley, Corbin, Itali and Eli) and some very special nephews: Harry Steiber, David Steiber, Richard Steiber and Ian Steiber.

Friends and family are invited to R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, Norwich, from 11:00-12:00 Monday July 5th. A service will follow at 12:00, followed by a family interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, Court St., Norwich, NY 13815 or a local animal rescue organization. A special thanks to the Hospice organization for helping make he comfortable his final two weeks.