Richard R. Steiner, WPD, Ret., 75, passed away peacefully April 23, 2025, at Bayview Rehabilitation at Scalabrini, North Kingstown. For 45 years he was the beloved husband of Susan E. (Mills) Steiner.
Born in Providence, RI to George Steiner Jr. and Vera E. (Koslowsky) Steiner, he was a lifelong resident of Warwick prior to moving to North Kingstown in his final years.
Richard graduated from Pilgram High School in 1967. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business from Bryant College and additionally concentrated on Criminal Justice at Salve Regina prior to finding his calling as a police officer.
His career in law enforcement began in 1974 serving within the Patrol Division of the Warwick Police Department for nearly 30 years. He continued to contribute to his community during his retirement as a Detail Officer.
He was raised in faith and civil service as a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America ultimately culminating in the rank of Eagle Scout. Church was paramount in his life as he attended St Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Greenwich for multiple decades until he was no longer physically able.
Richard will be remembered as a man who selflessly devoted his time and energy to his family and friends. Despite the impact he left on others, his kindness could only be out measured by his humility. He was a husband, father, and papa above all else, leaving a genuine lasting impression on every life he touched. He was kind beyond measure and consistently put others before himself without a hesitation. He was a beacon of light to everyone that knew him, and the world will be a different place without him.
In addition to his wife Susan, he is survived by three children Kristen Steiner Aceto (husband Michael), Gregory Steiner (wife Michelle), and Jeffrey Steiner (wife Kyla), one brother Peter Steiner, and two sisters Gail Davies and Diane Hall. Richard was the beloved “Papa” to Lilly Marie and Scarlett Rose.
His funeral service will be held at the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, on Saturday, May 3 at 10 am. Burial will be in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, North Kingstown, RI. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday, May 2 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.
Donations in his memory may be made to Rock Steady Boxing of RI, 2240 S County Trail, East Greenwich, RI 02818 (a non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness routine proven to dramatically improve the ability of people with Parkinson’s to live independent lives) or online at https://www.rocksteadyboxingri.com/.
Condolences may also be offered to his family and favorite memories of Richard shared online at www.barrettandcotter.com.
