Obituary of Eugene Harold Staiger

EUGENE H. STAIGER, Ph.D Almond, NY, April 25, 2021 Eugene was born 1935 in Rockville, Connecticut the only son of first generation German-America parents, the late Harold G. Staiger and Elsie Lehmann Staiger. He attended Rockville High School, participating in sports. He earned a BS in Electrical Engineering degree at University of Connecticut, MS in Electrical Engineering and Ph.D. in Electrophysics at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He also did graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. While at U Conn he was inducted into Eta Kappa Nu, national electrical engineering academic honor society and Tau Beta Pi, national engineering academic honor society. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Linda Stradley Staiger, one sister Karen (Alexander) Chapman of Farmington, CT, niece Lynne (Russell) Miller, grand nephew David (Siobhan) Ladetto, great grand niece, Aubrey Ladetto, grand nephew, Nicholas Miller, Arlington, TX. Also, sister-in-law Carol (Stu) Wilcox, nephew Rob (Missy) Wilcox, Dunkirk, NY, grand nephew Robert Wilcox, grand nephew Matthew (Laurin) Wilcox, niece Treasa Wilcox, grand niece Belle Stevens, grand nephew Ronnie Potts, Elmira, NY. Denny Wientzek, Leipzig, Stephanie Auer-Neuberg (Michael), Bavaria, Katja (Tommy) Gutsche, Freiburg, Claudius (Gabi) Rokosch, Sophie (Markus) Moellering, Billerbeck plus 13 German grand children. In addition to his parents, Gene was predeceased by a sister, Marlene Kellner, nephew Steven Kellner and grandnephew, Justin Ladetto. Eugene was active in the Boy Scouts, earning rank of Eagle Scout with Silver Palm, and Explore Scout Silver Award. He served as a Scout leader for several years. He was a Distinguished ROTC Military Graduate and served as officer in the US Army Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth, NJ attaining rank of Captain. He practiced electrical engineering for several years, in the Boston area. He worked on production prototype of the Atomic Clock. He then taught electrical engineering at Alfred State College and Alfred University for 33 years. He served as a department chair at both academic institutions. Teacher awards include ASEE Outstanding Teacher Award and Technical Teach Exchange Award . He was widely published in professional journals. He also obtained two National Science Foundation grants to develop a thick film fabrication lab at ASC. In addition he attended Creative Problem Solving Institute for 19 years. As a teen Eugene worked on tobacco farms in Connecticut. He was an avid backpacker. The ADK-46er (#415), AMC-4,000 footer and AMC-111’clubs’ were accomplishments. An avid cook, piano and uke player, cross country skier, geneology researcher, volunteer for Alfred Box of Books, Almond Historical Society, member of Almond Union of Churches Chancel Choir, Alfred University Chorus, Hornell Area Christmas Cantata. He was a member of Fayette Lodge 869 F&AM and Adoniram Chapter No. 18RAM. Life Senior member Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, plus service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. Calling Hours will be held at Bender, Brown and Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell Friday, April 30 from 5-7 PM with a memorial service on Saturday, May 1 at 11 am at Almond Community Church. A private graveside service will be held at Alfred Rural Cemetery on May 5 at 11 a.m. Memorial Donations in Eugene’s name can be sent to Almond Community Church, Almond Historical Society, Almond 20th Century Library or Five Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America, 244 W. Water Street, Elmira,NY 14901. Please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook@ Brownpowersfh.