John Murray Steger, Jr.

John Murray Steger, Jr, 87, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2025. John was born in Cortland, NY on May 9, 1937, the son of John Murray Steger and Dorothy Wadsworth Steger. John was raised with strong core values focused on hard work, helping his neighbors and providing public service to his community. John lived and exemplified his values each day reflected by his accolades of dedicated community service over the years.

John grew up on the Steger farm in the Preble community. John graduated from Homer Central High School, was a member of the school baseball team, and an FFA member. John always expressed that living in Preble Valley is one of the most beautiful places to live. He had fond memories of spending time in Preble attending community suppers at the Fire Department and fun gatherings at the Church and the Grange where all neighbors would join for social gatherings.

John was an avid NASCAR fan and attended many races with his friends over the years and made many new friends along the way. John also enjoyed watching the Yankees baseball team and attending their training camps while visiting in Florida and attending some live games.

John was an active member of the local Preble Fire department for over 50 years, serving in the Chief ranks for over 10 years, Fire Chief from ’75 to ’78, Fire Commissioner for 4 years, earned Fire Fighter of the Year in ’80, and was President of the Cortland County Burn Fund.

John held various positions in the beginning of his career starting at General Crushed Stone then began his career at Saulsbury Fire Equipment. John work at Saulsbury’s for 27 years starting out with construction of the Marathon facility, advanced to metal fabrication, worked in the service department and assisted with the creation and management of the Service Center. After retiring from Saulsbury’s John worked on a couple local farms, the Francis Foley farm and the Luchsinger’s farm; doing crop work which he loved the most. John had a natural talent with growing bountiful gardens, and he always had the greenest lawn. An achievement he was proud of and loved doing.

After retirement, John served on multiple local political positions. John served on the Preble Town Board, Town Supervisor, and 5 terms on the Cortland County Legislature for the towns of Preble and Scott.

John was a lifetime active member at the Preble Congregational Church serving 2 terms as trustee and proudly maintaining the church landscape and ground maintenance.

John is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia J. Steger, son Michael Steger, daughter Laurie Stark, daughter April Mueller (Scott Barrett), grandsons David Steger, Zachary Steger, Brandon Stark, Martin Stark, Allyn Stark, Gatlin Stark, and Nicholas Mueller, brother, Gerald Steger and multiple nieces and nephews and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:30pm on Friday April 25, 2025 at the Preble Congregational Church, 1953 Preble Rd., Preble. 

The family will receive friends and family at the church on Friday from 11:00am until the time of the service. 

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate in John’s memory to the following charitable organizations: Preble Congregational Church, Preble Fire Department or Hospice of Cortland County.

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