Commissioner Edward “Ed” Steines served with the West Milford Fire Department for 45 years. He held the rank of chief of Company 3 for 13 of those years. In 2000, he was elected the department’s fire commissioner “801” and held that position until the day he passed. Additionally, Commissioner Steines was the municipal OEM coordinator for the township of West Milford for 12 years, a member of the West Milford First Aid Squad for 12 years, and was employed by the township DPW for 38 years, serving as the DPW director for the last seven years.
Ed was a mentor to all who worked with him and an even better friend. He loved being of service to others and was always there whenever anyone needed help. It was his true passion. Outside his service, he enjoyed being outdoors and painting and was a spirited Philadelphia Eagles fan.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle; his daughters, Kristi Steines-Curatolo (husband Michael), Rachel Steines (fiancé Michael Canzoneri), and Taylor Steines; Michelle’s daughter, Brittany; and his adored grandchildren, Ethan Yarger, Justin Curatolo, and Hunter Canzoneri.
Ed passed away at his home on August 16, 2023, following a response to a fire incident. He will always be remembered for his lifelong dedication to serving his community and being the “go-to” guy for so many. His family will always love and miss him and will forever cherish their memories of him.
Losing a cherished father is incomprehensible, leaving an enduring space in our hearts. How can you condense a lifetime of love, guidance, and fond memories into a single recollection message?
I suppose I will start off simply by telling you that I love you and that a girl could never ask for a better dad. I know all children say that about their dads, and I guess they all probably believe it, but truly, you are the best dad I could ever have hoped for.
In all of the time that I’ve known you, you’ve never put yourself ahead of anyone. You’ve always had the needs of your family before the needs of yourself.
I always thought I’d have more time with you. But since I don’t, I’m left now to cherish the memories that we created.
You gave me life. You gave me love. You gave me Kristi and Taylor. You gave me laughs. You gave me hugs. You gave me memories that I will never forget.
I know now that you gave me everything that you could. You have completed your mission as my father, and I have never once doubted your love for me.
I appreciate you. I love you. And I’m going to miss you more than I can say.
Your death truly changed my outlook on life, and it keeps changing the older I get. The more time that passes. Thank you for being my constant motivator for everything I do. I do everything because I want to make you proud. I know you are proud of me regardless, and that is my motivator to keep going.
One of the hardest parts of this for me is not only your departure from my life, but your departure from your grandsons. It feels deeply unfair that you’ll never get to fully experience in-person, the lives that Kristi and I created. One that Taylor will one day create. Thank you so much for loving them. They too, will forever be a part of your legacy.
As we stand together in Maryland, in honor and memory of our father, my sisters and I represent all of the very best parts of him. His smile and sense of humor. His love of family. WE are his legacy. And I hope we’ve made him proud.
– Rachel SteinesAs I speak my final words in honor of your life, I want for you to know this: You left this world, owing me nothing. Through it all, I am so happy that God chose you as my father, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
🚒❤️🔥 Missin My Brother More Then Any Words Could Ever BeGin To Express ❤️🔥🚒 Wish My Son Storm & MySelf Could Be Up There In Person With Both Our Familes ☘️ Biological & FireFighter’s,Our Cup Runneth Over With The Amazing Tribute Bein Given To My Brother Edward ~ Storm’s Uncle 💚 Unfortunately Storm Has Been Havin New Medical Issues On His Own Long Road Of ReCovery From 2 Brain Surgeries So We’re Unable To Travel @ This Time,We Are With You All In Spirit & Love Along With Lightin Up Our Home With The Most Brilliant Red For The World To See For My Brother & All Of His Fallen Brother’s & Sister’s 🚒❤️🔥☘️
– Brandee DeBlasio