John Edward Steers

John Edward Steers of Carroll Vista, Taneytown, MD., was born November 20, 1934 in Bethlehem, PA to Mary Mae (Hochella) and Dr. Edward Steers, Sr., died in Hospice care at Dove House in Westminster on Sunday, March 4, 2018.

He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife Charlotte Dunn Steers.  He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Hoffman Steers, son, Dr. John Andrew Steers, M.D. and wife Carol of Finksburg, daughter, Susan Steers Ellin and husband Morris of Reisterstown, son, Scott Edward Steers and wife Amy of Westminster  and  step-son, Art Hansen Hoffman and wife Stacey of Prince Frederick, MD. Also, brother, Dr. Edward Steers, Jr. and wife Patricia of Berkeley Springs, WV and sister, Mary Beth Phillian and husband Greg of Calabash, NC. and grandchildren, Amanda, Katie, Johnny, Loren, Rachael and Alex and step-grandchildren, David Ellin, Josh Ellin and Ellie Reese Hoffman and 5 great-grandchildren as well as  numerous nieces and nephews.

John spent his early years in Bethlehem, PA and moved to Baltimore when his father became professor of microbiology at the University of MD Medical School.  John graduated from Baltimore City College in1952 as a recipient of the McCormick Unsung Hero Award for football and the Eli Frank Scholarship to Johns Hopkins University. He then earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 1956 again excelling in basketball and football.  His picture is featured in the Camden Yards Sports Hall of Fame representing the best of Baltimore collegiate athletes. John was named to the All-American NCAA Division III Chemical Engineering Football Team. In 1953 John E. Steers was recognized as #15 in total offense in the final small college individual leaders.  John Unitas was #30.  In 1998 at the Colts 40th Anniversary of the 1958 Championship Game, Johnny “U” signed the stat sheet and it’s a prized momento.

Upon graduation John was accepted into the Management Loop Course program at Bethlehem Steel Corporate Headquarters in Bethlehem, PA and worked in the Homer Research Laboratory. His assignments took him to steel operations in Byrnes Harbor, Michigan, Buffalo, NY, Johnstown, PA and Sparrows Point, MD. During this time, he  completed basic training in the US Army, at Fort Knox, KY. Due to his level of research in a critical industry, he was assigned to Army Reserves for six years and was honorably discharged in 1961.

During the height of his career with Bethlehem Steel, John made a life changing decision to pursue a medical degree.

After completing pre-med courses at Moravian College, he returned to Baltimore and attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine graduating in 1971.  Upon completing his internship and residency in general surgery at York Hospital, York, PA., Dr. John E. Steers, M.D. began the practice of general surgery in Westminster, MD and was the founder and CEO of Carroll Surgical Associates for 34 years.  Seeing the demand and need for medical care in the region, Dr. Steers designed and built several of the office buildings to create Washington Heights Medical Center and served as President of the Carroll Hospital medical staff and the development team to expand the medical staff and facilities.  As his practice grew he was honored to attract exceptional surgeons, nurses and staff, including his renowned office manager, Joy Inskeep Beyer and his oldest son, Dr. John Andrew Steers, M.D. who still practices in Westminster.  Continuing his commitment to provide quality medical care, Dr. Steers was one of the 1st attending doctors to the CHC Hyperbaric Wound Care Clinic.  He was the originator of the first emotional support program for breast cancer patients and in 2006 & 2007 was “Doctor of the Day” for the Maryland General Assembly.  From 2005 to 2012, Dr. Steers was a volunteer physician for ACCESS CARROLL Health Clinic serving non-insured patients.  In 2007 he was recognized for providing the highest total of volunteers hours each year & received the Dr. Janet Neslen Award for “exemplary efforts to eliminate or reduce health care disparities in Carroll County”.  Dr. Steers is also a member of the JHU Whiting School of Engineering Wall of Fame and The Hopkins Legacy Society.

Throughout his life, Dr. Steers enjoyed giving his time and financial support to many organizations and individuals.

For years, he could be seen on the side lines at Westminster & South Carroll high schools and McDaniel College football games as the volunteer team physician. When Westminster High School needed new helmets and then an extensive grading and seeding of the football field, Dr. Steers funded the purchase of helmets and the entire installation of a new field. When time allowed, John enjoyed participating in charity golf tournaments and connecting with friends on golf courses all over the east coast. As a child and into adulthood John looked forward to summers on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains and later at his waterfront home outside St. Michaels, MD on the Eastern Shore.  Dr. Steers is a member of the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association, the Historical Society of Carroll County, The Lehigh Valley Historical Society, past member of Westminster Rotary and Grace Lutheran Church (Westminster) and Royal Oak United Methodist Church (Royal Oak, MD).

John kept in touch with his relatives in Bethlehem, PA and continued to support the Lehigh Valley Historical Society Museum for whom he donated over a third of his extensive private library in 2016. As a scholar of many interests Dr. Steers collected many original works of art and high quality antiques.  He was enthralled in books and publications about Thomas Jefferson, American History and Sports, especially football and baseball. In his 70’s, he realized a dream and attended the Orioles Fantasy Camp in Sarasota, FL. During retirement John and Peggy traveled to England, Wales and Normandy, France and also annual vacations in Florida, VA and NC.  John always looked forward to reunions and events that included his team mates from Baltimore City College and Johns Hopkins.  His passion and talent for historic preservation, farmland and architecture gave him an opportunity to design, restore and create lovely homes in Carroll County and Talbot County (a waterfront home on Irish Creek). Along with special times with family and friends, John delighted in his long time companionship with his yellow lab, “Doc” and the latest addition, Doc’s daughter, a yellow Labradoodle, “Daisy” Doodle Steers who were at his bedside when he passed away.

To this day and forward John’s legacy will continue to support numerous organizations, especially historic preservation and educational opportunities for worthy youth. In lieu of flowers, Dr. and Mrs. Steers would appreciate contributions to The Historical Society of Carroll County (Westminster), The Lehigh Valley Historical Society (Allentown, PA), Dove House  or Carroll Community College (Westminster, MD) in the name of Dr. John Edward Steers & family.

Dr. Steers will be interned in a private ceremony. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the Memorial Garden of the Royal Oak Community United Methodist Church, Talbot County, MD.

Arrangements by Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services in Westminster.

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