Michael James Steinbring

Michael James Steinbring, 59, of Gilbert, Arizona (formerly a long time resident of Central Massachusetts) lost his battle with cancer on August 13th, 2015. He shared his last moments holding hands with his wife of 31 years, Lisa (Rivard) Steinbring. Michael had most recently been in the care of The Lund Home Hospice of the Valley Inpatient Center, after several months of struggle with his illness at home. He was grateful to have been visited both at home and during his final days at the center in person, by phone, via email, texts, Skype and Facebook. Pictures of blowing kisses that he received from many of his closest and dearest on Facebook gave him great joy in his last moments. Born on September 11th, 1955 at Fort Devens, MA., Besides his wife Lisa, Michael leaves a legacy of two loving, talented and grateful adult sons: Jeremy & Justin Steinbring of Arizona. Michael had been cared for constantly by his adopted ‘kitty son’ Freddy. Michael was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd & Evelyn (Marien) Steinbring. Michael leaves closest family members including a dedicated sister, Virginia Guertin of Fitchburg, MA, his brothers David Steinbring of Fitchburg, MA., Lloyd Steinbring of Auckland, New Zealand and brother-in-law Dale MacLeod of Shelburne Falls, MA. Michael now re-joins his younger brother Scott Steinbring, younger sister Gail Steinbring, his brother-in-law Jim Guertin and his mother-in-law Elizabeth (Spelios) Rivard– who all predeceased him. Michael was also very close to his father in law, Romeo Rivard of Worcester, MA, brother & sister-in-law Richard & Joanne Rivard of Fitchburg, MA., and his sister-in-laws Michelle Rivard of Mesa, AZ. and Robin Steinbring of Winchendon, MA. He leaves behind deep bonds with special, beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Michael graduated from St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School in 1974 as well as St. Joseph’s College of North Windham, ME in 1978., where he made many life-long friends. Michael dedicated his working life to family and the field of human services – specializing in the care and the rights of those who could not advocate for themselves. He spent 30 years in service working at the Department of Mental Health, The Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) of Central MA. and the State of MA in a capacity of Disability appeals reviewer before moving to AZ eight years ago. In AZ, Michael used his paralegal certification to continue his service work for the State of AZ – DES, helping families of disabled children by reviewing their social security cases on appeal. He will always be known for his quick wit, sarcasm, political rants and staunch support for his Boston sports teams. He was a dedicated husband, caring father, gifted drummer, avid music lover and veracious reader. After a failed spinal surgery three years ago, Michael was permanently disabled. He fought hard, still determined to over come the chronic pain and mobility limitations to find enjoyment in his life with his friends & family. Even during his most painful years he experienced both a Hawaiian & Alaskan cruises, with many visits to Massachusetts, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. In May, he was diagnosed with untreatable, metastatic cancer. Viewing calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 16th at Legacy Funeral Home located at 1374 N Arizona Ave in Chandler AZ. 85225 from the hours of 10am till 11:30 am with a memorial tribute at this location beginning at 11:30am. The family invites friends, relatives and coworkers who plan to be in attendance to join them immediately following at a fellowship luncheon (1pm) at Villa Siena, 890 Elliot Rd, Suite 104 in Gilbert, AZ. 85233. The immediate family is traveling from Arizona and will receive guests for condolences during calling hours from 11 am -12:30 pm on Saturday, August 29th at the Double Tree by Hilton’s Jr. Ballroom in Leominster, MA. A Celebration of Life Service, beginning at 12:30 pm will immediately follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers the family kindly appreciates a donation for his medical care and final expenses to www.gofundme.com/Love4MJ.

Michael James Steinbring

September 11, 1955 - August 13, 2015