John A. Steppacher was an American textile executive and international business leader. He served as president of international sales at Crompton Co., helped develop textile markets in the Far East, and contributed to educational and community organizations in New York and Maine.
Background
John Arnold Steppacher was born in 1923 in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, to W. Maurice and Cecile L. Steppacher. He grew up in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, and later lived for approximately 45 years in Chappaqua and Waccabuc, New York. His family life centered on his marriage to Joan Pendleton, whom he married on July 24, 1948, and their children Brian, Jill, and Lee. He and Joan maintained a home in Castine, Maine, before moving there permanently in 2005; he later lived in Falmouth, where he died in 2013.
Education
Steppacher attended Phillips Exeter Academy, graduating with the class of 1941. He subsequently attended Harvard College, where his studies were interrupted by military service during the Second World War. He was listed in a Phillips Exeter Academy alumni directory as a member of Harvard's class of 1945.
Career
Steppacher built his professional career in the textile industry. He worked for Cone Mills Inc. before joining Crompton Co., where he became president of international sales. In that role he sold textile products internationally, including to the Soviet Union and other countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. His international work included living in Hong Kong in the late 1970s and opening textile markets in the Far East. His business career was closely connected with extensive travel in Europe, Asia, and other regions.
Achievements
Developed international textile business for Crompton Co., selling products in markets that included the Soviet Union and other countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
Opened textile markets in the Far East after living and working in Hong Kong in the late 1970s.
Served as president of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester from 1972 to 1977.
Membership
Steppacher served on the board of the Harvey School in Katonah, New York, and on the boards of United Way of Northern Westchester and the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester. He was president of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester from 1972 to 1977. In 1966 he was listed as a member of the board of directors of Naumburg Orchestral Concerts, Inc., which organized the long-running public concert series in New York City's Central Park.
Served on the board of the school in Katonah, New York.
Harvey School
,
United States
Served as a board member.
United Way of Northern Westchester
,
United States
Served on the board and was president from 1972 to 1977.
Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester
,
United States
1972 - 1977
Listed as a member of the board of directors in the 1966 New York City concert program.
Naumburg Orchestral Concerts, Inc.
,
United States
1966
Personality
Steppacher was remembered within his family for his hospitality, love of travel, gardening, music, tennis, and time spent with family and friends. He played the cello and sang, and maintained an active interest in a wide range of music.
Interests
Travel, gardening, music, tennis, and spending time at the family's home in Castine, Maine.
Sport & Clubs
Tennis
Music & Bands
He played the cello, sang, and enjoyed a broad range of music.
Connections
Steppacher was married to Joan Pendleton for 65 years. They had three children: Brian, Jill, and Lee. Jill was married to Rob DeWitt, and Lee's partner was Dan Shepard. The family lived in New York before relocating permanently to Maine in 2005, while retaining strong connections to Castine and the Penobscot Bay area.
Spouse:
Joan Pendleton
Married on July 24, 1948; they remained married for 65 years until his death in 2013.
child:
Brian Steppacher
Son of John A. Steppacher and Joan Pendleton.
child:
Jill Steppacher
Daughter of John A. Steppacher and Joan Pendleton; married Rob DeWitt.
child:
Lee Steppacher
Son of John A. Steppacher and Joan Pendleton; associated with Dan Shepard.
References
John Steppacher Obituary
Obituary documenting Steppacher's birth in Elkins Park, upbringing in Croton-on-Hudson, education at Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard College, wartime service, textile career, international business activities, board service, family, interests, and death in Falmouth, Maine.
2013
Phillips Exeter Academy Alumni Directory
Alumni directory entry identifying John A. Steppacher as a member of the Phillips Exeter Academy class of 1941 and indicating Harvard College attendance with the class of 1945.
