Peter Edward Steinle

Peter Edward Steinle died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on November 19, 2024. Peter was born on March 7, 1939, in Birmingham, Michigan to Duane Steinle and Virginia Christensen Steinle. His family lived briefly in New Britain and moved to West Hartford when he was a very young child. A talented athlete, Peter could be seen gracing the football field, the track, or the wrestling mat at Hall High, Vermont Academy, and Middlebury College, where he played fullback for the Panthers. After serving six years in the US Army in Germany, France, and Vietnam and earning a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and an Army Commendation Medal, he and his family moved back to West Hartford in 1968, where they’ve resided for the past 56 years. Much of that time, Peter sold insurance for Connecticut Mutual and later MassMutual, always putting his client’s needs ahead of his own interest. While at Middlebury, Peter met Virginia Lynn Miller who became his wife of 62 years and his partner for life. He often told the story of their first meeting and how it was love at first sight for him. Theirs was a lifelong love affair. Peter worked tirelessly for the Middlebury College Alumni Association and went on to see all three of his children and six grandchildren graduate from Middlebury. Peter was also active in his local community, serving as president of the West Hartford Little League and other organizations and was ever present on the sidelines of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. An avid fisherman and hunter, Peter’s idea of a perfect afternoon included spending time in nature and walking in the woods with friends or family. His long affiliation with East Haddam Fishing and Game Club was one of the true joys of his adult life. Peter loved deeply and put family first. He was unassuming, loyal, and upbeat— the bedrock of his tight knit family. He liked nothing better than spending time with his beloved wife, Lynn, his children and grandchildren, and a handful of longtime friends, sharing music and laughter and making special memories. Those who Peter loved always felt it intensely. Peter is survived by his wife, Lynn, and his brothers, John and Edward. He is also survived by his son Thomas and daughter-in-law Ann of West Hartford and their children Sarah, Miller, and Peter, his daughter Susan and son-in-law John McKenzie of Akron, Ohio, and their children Jack and Hannah, and his son Peter and daughter-in-law Lila of San Francisco, California, and their daughters Ava and Brooke. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Christine Steinle De’ak. A celebration of life will be held from 11:30-2:30 pm on Friday, December 20th at The Hartford Golf Club,134 Norwood Rd, West Hartford, Connecticut with remembrances from 11:30-12:30 and a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation on Peter’s behalf to Tunnel to Towers online at t2t.org or by mail to 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306.