In Memory of Anna Steinhauer Giacobbe

Obituary

Anna Steinhauer Giacobbe, passed away peacefully the afternoon of July 18, 2026, with her loved ones by her side. She leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories and a legacy shaped by her passion for education, community service, and love of adventure.

Anna was born on May 13,1938, in Oswego, New York to Clement and Dorothy Steinhauer. As her father was a United States Coast Guard Serviceman, Anna moved extensively growing up but ultimately returned to Oswego where she graduated from high school as well as SUNY Oswego.

While at SUNY Oswego, Anna met Paul Giacobbe. They married and made their home in Barneveld, New York, where she lived for most of her life and together, they had two children, Ann and Michael.

Education was Anna’s passion. She devoted more than 40 years to teaching at Whitesboro, Barneveld, and General William Floyd elementary schools. She enjoyed staying in touch with many of her former students over the years. Committed to lifelong education herself, she earned a Master of Science in Education from Elmira College, and later a Doctorate in Education from Syracuse University. 

Anna was also dedicated in supporting teachers after she retired. She was actively involved with the American Federation of Teachers and the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), serving as a trainer and instructor. Her influence lives on through the students she taught and the educators she mentored.

Her commitment to service reached far beyond education. Anna believed in giving back to her community and generously shared her time and leadership with numerous civic and charitable organizations. She served on the Town of Trenton Planning Board, was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Barneveld Library and served on the Academy Selection Board for her Congressional District.   Anna also was the President of the Junior League of Greater Utica, served as President of the Snow Ridge Ski Club, and was Chairperson of the Kuyahoora Yacht Club. Later in life she was a member of the Fort Schuyler Club, volunteered as a docent at the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute and enjoyed her membership at Syracuse Stage. Anna believed that communities thrive when their people support local arts and community organizations.

Throughout her life, Anna had wonderful relationships that brought her love, companionship, and adventure. While in Barneveld, she enjoyed time with her longtime companion John Howlett. Later, she found love and companionship with Peter Welge in Syracuse until he passed away in 2024. While they enjoyed living in Syracuse, they were avid travelers. Their adventures took them around the world on countless trips, exploring new countries and cultures together. One of Anna’s proudest personal accomplishments was achieving her lifelong goal of visiting all fifty states.

Anna cherished her family. Nothing brought her greater happiness than watching her family grow through the generations and celebrating the accomplishments of those she loved. Anna is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Tony Neidenbach; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Martha Giacobbe; her grandchildren, Audrey and Neil Thompson, Sam Neidenbach, Halle and Ethan Osborne, Eliza and Adam Zogby, and Matthew Giacobbe; her great grandsons, Foster and Barrett Thompson; as well as her brother Andrew Steinhauer and brother and sister-in-law, Allan and Linda Steinhauer. She was predeceased her brother, John Steinhauer.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 21 at St Leo's & St Ann Catholic Church, 7937 Elm Street, Holland Patent, NY. Visitation for friends and family begins at 10:00 am and the service will begin at 11:00 am. Internment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank The Nottingham, Constant Care 247, especially Sylvia and Jayna, Masonic Care Community and Hospice and Palliative Care for their gentle compassion and care during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 or Munson, 310 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.fwefh.com.