Steiner, Henry "Skip"

Henry "Skip" Steiner II (92) died suddenly on Jan. 22, 2023 at Hartford Hospital. Born in New York City to the composer and lyricist Howard Steiner and his wife Ethel (née Strauss), Skip attended Brooklyn Technical High School and spent summers at his beloved Kennebec Camp in Maine. After graduating from Rutgers University in 1952 with a degree in mechanical engineering, Skip served in the Air Force from 1952-54, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He worked for several years as an engineer at Sperry Rand Corporation, and then, after moving to Hartford in 1959, worked for more than 30 years at Loring Photography Studios, eventually serving as its president. Skip's great talent and passion in life was playing the piano, writing lyrics, and composing music. He began writing shows at Kennebec, Rutgers University, and Sunningdale Country Club. After moving to Hartford, he wrote shows for Tumblebrook Country Club and Renbrook School and performed at countless parties and events. Friends and family relished the many songs and parodies he wrote for them. In 1993, he performed at the Bushnell as part of the Hartford Stars, a concert series benefitting the venue. Skip was actively involved in a number of philanthropic organizations including the Hartford Conservatory, Mt. Sinai Hospital, and the West Hartford School of Music. He also enjoyed traveling around the world with his family and friends. For many summers, he would spend weekends in August enjoying the races in Saratoga, NY. Skip is survived by his daughter, Wendy Steiner, and her husband, Steven Schwartz of New York, NY; his son, Brad Steiner, and his wife, Karin Raye, of Newton, MA; his grandchildren, Emma, Eric, Zack, and Sam; and his beloved companion of many years, Sara Cole of Bloomfield, CT. He was predeceased by his sister, Felicia Lemonick, of Jenkintown, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Hartford Hospital, or a charity of the donor's choice. A private celebration of Skip's life will take place later this year.