Edward Steinkerchner

Edward Francis Steinkerchner passed peacefully on April 20, 2025, at the age of 94, just four days shy of his 95th birthday. Born on April 24, 1930, to Edward C and Genevieve (Keenan) Steinkerchner, he lived a life marked by dedication, service, and joyful commitment to his family, faith, and community. A proud graduate of St. Mary High School (Class of 1948), Ed went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education from The University of Akron in 1953. During his college years, he was a vibrant leader and participant in campus life, contributing to a wide range of organizations including the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa, A-Key, Who's Who, Scabbard and Blade Military, Student Council (3 years), Varsity A Sports, the Buchtelite newspaper, and the Tel-Buch yearbook. He served as Commissioner of Men's Intramural Sports for two years, coached the backs and offense for the freshman football team (1952), and was the trainer for the Ohio Conference Champion Basketball team (1952-53).

After graduation, he proudly served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, during the Korean War period. In 1954, he married the love of his life, Roberta Deeter. Together, they raised four children - Mark, Eric, Nancy, and Joan-instilling in them the values of integrity, perseverance, and family devotion. He was a constant and enthusiastic presence at every recital, concert, and sporting event, rarely missing a single moment in his children's or grandchildren's lives.

His love of athletics extended into a decades-long career as a football referee, officiating high school and college games-including NCAA Division I in the Mid-American Conference and several playoff games-over a span of 34 years. He was a proud member and former president (1981) of the Eastern Ohio Football Officials Association, and a member of the Ohio Football Officials Association. He also coached little league baseball and softball, and could always be found cheering on young athletes with passion and care.

A dedicated professional in the rubber and polymer industry, Ed worked for General Tire's Chemical Division and Midwest Rubber Reclaiming Company. He played a key role in starting American ProMold, Inc. and E & R Polymers, Inc., and was a respected member of the Akron Rubber Group, the NEO Rubber Group, the Southern Rubber Group, and the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society.

Throughout his life, Ed found joy in golfing-especially as part of the Diamond Grille Golf League and the Seniors Travel Golf League, where he played actively until age 94. He encouraged and taught the game of golf to his children and grandchildren and always enjoyed the summer vacations to Myrtle Beach with tee times for 15 at various courses, the days at the beach, culminating around the dining table brimming with fresh peel and eat shrimp. He was also a devoted volunteer with Northern Ohio Golf Charities from the Rubber City Open to the NEC Golf Championships and a former president of the Copley Athletic Booster Club.

A man of quiet faith and unwavering service, he was a devoted member of St. Hilary Catholic Church. He is preceded in death by his Parents, Wife; Roberta (Deeter), Son; Eric Steinkerchner, Daughter-inlaw; Barb (Metzger) Steinkerchner, Granddaughter; Dana Roberts, and Brother; John Owen. He is survived by his son; Mark (Beth Humbel) Steinkerchner, daughters; Nancy (Pat) Roberts and Joan (Bill) Moore, grandchildren; Dan (Megan) Steinkerchner, Lauren (Ryan) Sheedy, Beth (Brian) Moore, Doug Moore, Erica Roberts, Nicole Roberts and Jacqueline Roberts, great grand daughter; Alyssa Sheedy, brother, Ray (Norma) Steinkerchner, and sister in law; Arlene Steinkerchner.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to either The Village of St. Edward's in Fairlawn located at 3125 Smith Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333, St. Hilary Church located at 2750 W. Market St. Fairlawn, OH 44333, or a charity of your choice that supports youth sports.

A visitation will be held Friday April 25, 2025 from 4:30 - 7:00pm at Hummel Funeral Homes located at 3475 Copley Rd. Copley, OH 44321. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day, Saturday April 26, 2025 at 10:00am at St. Hilary Parish located at 2750 W. Market St. Fairlawn, OH 44333.

Ed leaves behind a loving legacy of family, community, and service and he will be deeply missed.