Joseph A. Steighner, 69, of Butler, passed away following a short illness, Tuesday, August 11, 2020, in the comfort of his home in Butler Township.
Born September 28, 1950 in New Castle, he was a son of the late Harold J. Steighner and Beatrice L. (Turk) Steighner.
Joe graduated from Butler High School and then had attended Butler County Community College and then had attended Slippery Rock University. In 1978 he was elected to the House of Representatives 11th Legislative District. He was the youngest person ever to hold the seat, setting records for the most votes and the widest margin of victory. In 1989 he was elected chairman of the Southwest Caucus.An avid outdoorsman, Steighner was elected Chairman of the House Game and fisheries committee in 1988 where he took pride in prtecting the naatural resources of the commonwealthI. In 1990 he was elected House Majority Caucus Secretary, the fifth highest leadership position in the House and was re-elected to that post in 1992. In 1993, he was “Legislator of the Year” among numerous other civil and govermental awardshe received throught his 16 years serving the people of the 11th district. In 1994, he founded and served as the president of Joseph A. Steighner and Associates, a consulting an lobbying company based in Harrisburg, PA.
He was a member of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Butler, the Knights of Columbus in Butler, was a Westminster College Board of Trustees member and also a Moriane Preservation Fund Board of Trustees member.
Joe was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and enjoyed spending his time at his vacation home in North Myrtle Beach, cabin in northwest Pennsylvania splittinghis time golfing, hunting and fishing. Most of all Joe loved being Papa and Grandpa to his grandchildren Addison, Grace and Jackson.
Surviving is his wife, Joan “Joni” (Criley) Steighner, whom he married November 22, 1975. His son, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher J. (Jennifer) Steighner, cureently serving with United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany; his daughter, Bethann M. (Michael) Johns of Renfrew; and three grandchildren: Addison Johns, Grace Johns and Jackson Steeighner.
He is also survive by three brothers: Donald Steighner of Kittanning, Harold “Buddy” Steighner of Brackenridge and Richard Steighner of Murrels Inlet, SC.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 2 brothers, David and Timothy Steighner.
Due to the current restrictions and situation cause by the pandemic, private services will be held for his family. A public Memorial Service will be held and announced at a later time.
Arrangements by the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street, Butler.
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