Frank W. Steber, 96 of Watkins Glen, died March 16, 2018. He was born May 5, 1921, in Ilion, NY, to Frank and Edna (Clayton) Steber, and graduated from Ilion High School in 1939. He worked in Ilion factories until July 1942, when he and two friends enlisted in the U.S. Army. His WWII army service as a radio operator lasted until 1945 with assignments in Hawaii and the South Pacific.
He married Arlene Mills on February 27, 1946, at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church Ilion, NY, before attending Syracuse University on the GI Bill. After five years of teaching English at Andes, NY Central School, he moved with his family to Watkins Glen, where he taught English for 29 years. He also taught freshman English at Elmira College, evenings and summer sessions for 20 years. He was a member of ST. James’ Episcopal Church, Watkins Glen, which he served as vestryman, junior warden and clerk of the vestry. He was active in the Watkins Glen public library (past president of trustees) and the Schuyler County Historical Society (past president) and was a founding member of Friends of Watkins Library. He was also an honorary life member of the Watkins Glen PTA and a member of the Watkins-Montour Lions Club. In his retirement he wrote a column, Seneca Spectator, for the Watkins Review & Express for many years. He also is the author of four books of local history: “The Blessed Company”, a history of St. James’ Parish: “Seneca Dawn”, “Seneca Sunrise”, and “Seneca Hope”. For several years he wrote a feature, “Hymn Notes” for the St. James’ Sunday bulletin.
He is survived by son and daughter-in-law Richard (Jean) Steber of Glen, NH; son Michael B. Steber of Watkins Glen; son-in-law Dr. Terry Cashmore of San Diego, CA; grandsons Benjamin Steber of Watkins Glen, NY and Daniel Steber (Caroline) of Fairfield, CT; granddaughters Jenny Rebecca (Jamie) Hoffman of Sidney, MT, Emily Gomes of San Diego, CA; and Sarah Cashmore of Huntington Beach, CA. Grandson Paul (Miriam) Garrow of Central Square, NY. Great granddaughters Rebecca Faye Hoffman of Sidney, MT , Madeleine Taylor Steber of Fairfield, CT and Sara Garrow; great grandson Harrison Gomes of West Haven, CT, Jacob Garrow and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by wife Arlene Steber, daughter Susan Cashmore, sister Constance Christiana, brother-in-law Thomas Mills, sister-in-law Eleanor Cole and great grandson Hudson Gomes.
The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on Friday (March 23rd) from 5pm-7pm; and Saturday (March 24th) at St. James’ Episcopal Church from 12pm-1pm; followed by a Requiem Eucharist service at the church at 1:00pm. Private burial at Glenwood Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be made to St. James’ Episcopal Church, 112 6th St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891or Watkins Glen Public Library, 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. You may express condolences to the family or “Light A Candle of Remembrance” online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.
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