ST. PAULS — Former Town Administrator J.R. Steigerwald is being remembered as a caring man who was passionate about St. Pauls.
Steigerwald, who was administrator from July 1, 2013, until his resignation on Aug. 9, died Monday at the age of 64.
“It’s a shock to the town,” St. Pauls Mayor Gerard Weindel said. “Kind of unexpected. He had been golfing and officiating last weekend.”
“It’s a big loss, a tragedy. We honored him with a moment of silence in a workshop.” Commissioner Donna Patterson said. “He was one of the best. He was light-hearted, and big-hearted.”
Steigerwald was born in 1954 in Binghamton, N.Y., and moved to Raleigh as a young man with his father. While in Raleigh, he earned the Eagle badge from the Boy Scouts, an event that shaped his outlook on life.
“The Eagle award was how he approached everything,” his wife, Anna Steigerwald, said. “With honor, and care for others. It meant to treat others with respect.”
After attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in local government management, Steigerwald worked in Wilson, Hickory, Charlotte and other communities in the field of economic development before coming to St. Pauls. His efforts brought new companies and jobs to the Robeson County town.
“He played a big part in the growth of the town,” Weindel said. “Economic development was his specialty.”
“He was very proud of his accomplishments here,” Anna said. “He went after Sanderson Farms, Pepsi, and other businesses. He added about 1,800 jobs here, and doubled the tax base of the town.”
Steigerwald was able to attract grants to improve St. Pauls’ water and sewer system, and a facade grant as part of the library renovation project. He also was involved in the Lion’s Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the churches.
“He was pretty much all over the place,” Weindel said. “He was involved with just about everything.”
Steigerwald displayed his caring nature when he helped some of the commissioners get an ice cream treat while they were in Raleigh for a training event.
“I had shared with J.R. my love of Pelican Snoballs while we were on that trip,” Patterson said. “He went out of his way to get them for me.”
He also enjoyed working with youth. He officiated basketball, soccer, and baseball games.
He was a Scoutmaster for many years, and he treated others as he wanted to be treated, Anna said.
“He was very patient and comforting,” she said.
This part of his character was demonstrated by his “open door” policy at St. Pauls Town Hall.
“He would take time for me and others to come in and talk, whatever the case may be,” Patterson said. “I felt good and welcome; it was easier to go in. If he could give an answer, he would do it. He took extra time to make me feel important. This is a tragic loss. There is so much more that he could do.”
A Mass of Christian burial will take place 1 p.m. Monday at St. Raphael Catholic Church, located at 5801 Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh, with a visitation from noon to 1 p.m.
A local memorial service for Steigerwald is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Presbyterian Church of St. Pauls, located at 228 N. Old Stage Road in St. Pauls.
“He was such a loving person,” Anna said. “He loved giving back to the community.”
