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STEGMAIER -- RICHARD G. Age 83, passed away Friday, March 23, 2012 surrounded by his family. He had been a resident of Albuquerque since 2002. Richard was born June 6, 1928 in Heidenheim, Germany to Georg and Barbara Stegmaier. Trained as a machinist, he came to the US in 1952 as part of an exchange program designed to teach young Germans democratic principles and return them to Germany to assist in the rebuilding of the country after WWII. Fortunately for us, he met Jean Borkowski in Buffalo and returned to Germany just long enough to say his goodbyes. Jean and Richard were married in Buffalo on August 29, 1953. Their first child, Marguerite, was born in 1955. A year later, Richard became a US citizen with Marguerite at the ceremony. Twins, Michael and Mary Ellen followed in 1958. Richard used his German training to become a top-notch Tool and Die maker in the US. He was very proud of his work and had a career that spanned well over 50 years, helping to produce things as diverse as the Polaroid SX-70 camera, Fischer-Price Toys and Chevy Carburetors. By day a Tool and Die Maker, by night, a swimming instructor. Richard had a successful career swimming competitively in Germany and parlayed that skill into certification in 1968 as a water safety instructor, a trainer of lifeguards and teacher of swimming. He taught nights at Lancaster High School for over 30 years, specializing in turning water-phobic non-swimmers into swimmers. Well over 2,000 people can trace their swimming heritage to Richard. With Jean's death in 2001, Richard decided it was time for a change and retired to Albuquerque where two of his children had earlier transplanted. Drawn by the blue skies and warm days, Richard, always an outdoor enthusiast, flourished. Skiing at Sandia Peak and Taos, hiking the Sandias, roller blading, he did it all. He joined the Albuquerque Breakfast Civitan Club shortly after his arrival here and contributed to many projects, building wheelchair ramps, maintaining wagons and wheelchairs for rental at the State Fair and helping to maintain the booth there. Richard developed an interest in model trains in recent years and turned his backyard into a railroader's paradise. He was joined in this enthusiasm by his special friend, Judith Hatheway. Richard and Judith met at a church function six years ago and have been inseparable since. Richard is survived by his daughters, Marguerite Lappin and her husband, Allen of Albuquerque and Mary Ellen Lorenzo of Buffalo, NY; his son, Michael Stegmaier and his wife, Barbara of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Amanda Lorenzo of Buffalo, NY, Emily and Molly Lappin of Albuquerque, NM and Rachael Stegmaier of Albuquerque, NM. Richard is survived by nieces, Susan D'Anthony (Joseph) of Buffalo, NY and Noreen Javornik of MD; nephew, Dave Slowik (Charlene) of Buffalo. Richard is survived by cousins in Germany and countless friends made over the course of his long life. Richard is also survived by his friend and companion, Judith Hatheway of Albuquerque. The family wishes to thank Judith for the happiness she gave Richard the past six years. We thank all of you for the joy you brought to him. Richard loved life and lived it to its fullest and encouraged others to do the same. He will be missed. Friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 29, 2012 at French Lomas. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 30, 2012 at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Contributions may be sent to a charity of your choice. Please visit our online guest book for Richard at www.RememberTheirStory.com. FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-275-3500
        Published on: Wed March 28, 2012