Obit from Los Angeles Times, July 10, 2004
Dr. Warren Linnington Steinberg
Passed away peacefully at his home on July 8th.
Warren Steinberg dedicated his public and private life to civil rights, human relations, and equity for all. He was for forty years a teacher, counselor, and administrator within the Los Angeles Unified School District. He was a founding advisor to the Los Angeles City Commission on Human Relations in 1966, and as the longest-standing commissioner and past president (1978-87) served that Commission with dedication and unflagging perseverance until his death. He founded The Steinberg Family Humanity Foundation in 1982 to reward the development of students as role models and champions who promote the best values and standards in our schools and our communities.
Warren was born on January 20, 1924 in Valley Stream, Long Island, New York, son of John M. Steinberg and Gertrude (Vogel) Steinberg. His father was a prominent restaurateur in New York, who moved to California with young Warren and his brother Larry in the 1930s. He attended Beverly Hills High School, and attended U.C.L.A., where he received his B.A., M. Ed., and his Doctor of Education in 1962.
He married Betty Ruth Blass Steinberg on June 29, 1949, and had just celebrated his 57th wedding anniversary prior to his passing. He is survived by Betty, his elder brother, Larry, and his three sons, Leigh William, James Robert, and Donald Kenneth. Leigh Steinberg is a prominent sports attorney and contributor to social causes. James Steinberg is an author and Spiritual practitioner. Donald Steinberg has spent his life in public service in the U.S. State Department and is a U.S. Ambassador. Warren is survived by six grandchildren. Jonathan, Matthew Warren, and Katherine are the children of Leigh and Lucy Steinberg. Rani and Vina are the daughters of James Steinberg and Aileeen Spadola. Isaac is the son of Donald and Raquel Steinberg. He will also be missed by his numerous friends and extended family.
He was a living icon of proactivity in our time, and was one who fearlessly modeled and promoted the urgent and noble work of human rights and human relations so that the students and adults of Southern California may be productive and live in peace and harmony.
Warren Steinberg’s public education career of 39 years includes: teacher, counselor and coach at Jordan High School; teacher and athletic coordinator at Hamilton High School; vice-principal at University and Crenshaw High Schools; consultant to the Los Angeles Unified School District Center for Planned Change; vice principal and principal at Le Conte Jr. High School; Administrative Consultant on Integration for the Los Angeles Unified School District; administrator for the Student-to-Student Program; principal at Gage Middle School and Fairfax High School. Dr. Steinberg contributed articles on human relations and youth behavior to professional journals and newspapers. He sat on the Board of Directors for Project Echo, Entrepreneurial Concepts, Hands On from 1996 on.
Warren Steinberg’s awards and honors include Beverly Hills B’nai B’rith President’s Award; Awards from the Los Angeles City Council; President’s Award, the Southern California Community Relations Conference; Lifetime Achievement Award by the Los Angeles City Human Relations Commission; California Association of Human Relations Organizations Thirtieth Anniversary Civil Rights Lifetime Achievement Award; Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education special commendations.
Dr. Steinberg has empowered thousands of students and hundreds of colleagues to believe in themselves and to master their individual and collective strength to stand up for their causes and issues, by showering them with respect, care, and courage He gave voice to concerns and issues, which resounded with notes of justice, throughout our schools and the country. He was a man of great character and strength and moral judgement. He always took a courageous stand and was fearless against controversy.
Funeral services will be held for Dr. Steinberg at Hillside Memorial Park on Sunday, July 11th at 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the charity founded by Dr. Steinberg, The Steinberg Humanity Foundation, c/o Leigh Steinberg Enterprises, 660 Newport Ctr. Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660.