Thomas Auer Steitler ’70

A leader in the redevelopment and renewal of his adopted state, Tom died surrounded by family in Durham, N.C., June 29, 2024.

He came to us from DeWitt High School in Syracuse, N.Y. His strong athletic skills were part of our Ivy champion golf team, and he was sports chair at Charter. Tom majored in basic engineering, writing his magna cum laude thesis on “Air Conditioning” for Dean Howard Menand ’36. He then went to UNC for his MBA and changed focus to the technical aspects of real estate appraisal. He became a singular expert in conservation easements, leading complex evaluations for trusts and government agencies that withstood court challenges and preserved land space. He and wife Linda purchased and rehabilitated old commercial buildings in their Asheville community, crucial to renewal there rather than the wrecking ball. In all this, he was regarded as the dog whisperer, with a golden retriever always in tow for his property outings.

Tom is survived by Linda; their daughters Katie and Kelly; three grandchildren; siblings Pat, Sue, and Bob; and extended family. He leaves them, and us, the beauty of North Carolina and the lessons of treating our environment with the intellect and creativity of an endlessly curious mind.