Babb said she admired Steinmetz passion for teaching and his love of travel, literature and visual arts.
She said the 63-year-old’s generous spirit and kindness were undeniable. The 2007 Dayton Public School Teacher of the Year finalist often went above and beyond for his students, Babb said.
She noted how he once went out of his way to buy shoes for a girl during a school trip to New York. On another trip, Steinmetz gave money from his pocket to a girl who had lost hers.
“I just don’t know what you can say about an individual that touched so many not just within the school (district), but his neighbors and his own personal blood family,” she said. “I really feel like when I look at the midnight sky and I see a star, it is Williams Steinmetz.”
Steinmetz, a Dayton Public School teacher since 1975, died unexpectedly Friday, Aug. 15.
Numerous memories of the teacher born in Clarksburg, W. Va., to have been posted to social media and his obituary page found on Daytondailynews.com.
Kelli Dozier-Money: "Wonderful teacher, inspirational man. He made a huge impact on the lives of many of his former students. Opened a new world for us through literature,"
Dana Fuqua: "Mr. Steinmetz was an amazing teacher and person. His energy and enthusiasm made my learning experience at Fairview invaluable. 'Brevity is the soul of wit.' — William Shakespeare"
Babb said her former students often ask how Mr. Steinmetz is doing before inquiring about her.
“If we were together shopping or at dinner his students would say, ‘You were my favorite teacher’,” she recalled of the man she considered a brother from other parents.
The two celebrated birthdays together, shopped, dined and shared many laughs.
“How many people can say you have been friend with for 30 years and never had a bad word together,” she said. “He did so much for so many without asking for anything in return.”
Babb is listed in Steinmetz obituary among his close friends with Keith Davis and Janet Phillips of Dayton and Tom Saettel of New York where Steinmetz visited often.
He traveled the United States extensively as well as a list of international country that included Egypt.
William Steinmetz is survived by his mother, Margaret Louise Coffey of Centerville, his sisters Margaret Sunny Durham and Jessica (Richard) Sannan of Germantown, his sister Marie (Larry) Bryant of Centerville and his brothers Jim (Sue) and Jerry (Peggy) of Germantown, eleven nieces and nephews, and 15 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Per Steinmetz wishes, there will be no service, Babb said.
Words of encouragement, and stories memories for a tribute wall can be sent to Stivers Principal Erin Dooley, Stivers School for the Performing Arts, 1313 East Fifth St., Dayton, OH 45402.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Seedling Foundation at the above address, a 501(c)(3) program in which Mr. Steinmetz was highly involved.
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