Steighner, 16-year state lawmaker, dies of cancer
Former state Rep. Joe Steighner died Tuesday at his Butler Township home. He had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer in February. He was 69.
A native of New Castle, Steighner served 16 years in the House of Representatives, in Pennsylvania’s 11th District. He was a Democrat and was elected in 1978.
Steighner is survived by his wife, Joan, and their two children, Christopher and Bethann, and three grandchildren.
News of his passing sparked warm remembrances from friends and colleagues.
A gifted politician is how Butler Township Commissioner Fred Vero remembered Steighner. Vero was employed as Steighner’s chief of staff for eight years, beginning in 1986.
This is an excerpt from a larger article that appeared in Thursday’s Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.
