Obituaries

Rich, also known as “R.J.” and “the Prince” was born in Seattle, raised in the shadow of St. Joseph Catholic Church on Capitol Hill, where he served as an altar boy.

He grew up in a loving home with parents Leo and Rina and his three siblings Celine, Vince and Janie.

Rich attended St. Joseph’s School across the street from his home. After graduating from Seattle Preparatory School in 1966, he went on to Seattle University.

During Christmas break of his freshman year, he landed a job at the Bon Marche loading dock in downtown Seattle. And that’s where he remained for 44 years, providing good customer service while watching the girls walk by.

There, Rich also learned the joys of the dumpster dive, beginning a life-long hobby collecting oddities, art deco and beyond. His collection grew to include classic cars, especially “MG’s” which he used to impress the girls walking by.

One girl in particular, Robin Chase, caught his eye, and she, whole-heartedly accepted his unconditional love for 45 years. “The Prince” and the “Pirate’s Daughter” shared their mutual aloha for vintage Hawaiiana and Kona, HI. Completing their Pacific Rim homes-away-from home – was the Reno Sands Casino.

Rich arrived at his heavenly home after recent complications from MDS to join his parents and his sister, Sister Celine. He is survived by brother Vince
Steinberger (Diane), sister Janie Bolton (Lee), niece Sarah Bolton, nephew Andrew Bolton (Marian), great nephews Mason Bolton, Hunter Bolton, and great niece Emma Bolton.
Rich is also survived by Robin Chase of Queen Anne, Seattle/Kona, HI – and all those who loved him. Aloha ku’u aloha.

Funeral Service at 11:00am Tuesday, February 18 – St. Joseph’s, Capitol Hill. Burial at 2pm, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Queen Anne. Donations in Rich’s memory may be made to the Sister Celine Steinberger, SNJM Memorial (Endowment) Fund.