Roger Steiner, professor emeritus of linguistics, dies

9:32 a.m., Nov. 26, 2012--Roger Jacob Steiner, professor emeritus of linguistics and cognitive science, died Nov. 2. He was 88.

Dr. Steiner taught linguistics at the University of Delaware for 33 years. 

A lexicographer, his French and English dictionary sold millions of copies. He revised five Spanish and English dictionaries.

Before joining the Delaware faculty, he taught at the University of Bordeaux in France and spent 15 years in the Methodist pastorate. He remained an ordained minister with membership in the Eastern Pennsylvania conference of the United Methodist Church with occasional preaching activity. 

Dr. Steiner was a member of the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution, Lancaster, Pa. chapter, and the Delaware Society Sons of the American Revolution, Maj. Robert Kirkwood Chapter, in Newark, Del., where he served a term as president. 

Born in South Byron, Wisc., he served in World War II and graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa. He received both a master's degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He received a master of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Ida Kathryn Posey Steiner, and is survived by two sons, David Posey Steiner and Andrew Posey Steiner, and by two grandchildren, Sierra Maria Steiner and Emily Faith Steiner, and by Anthony Wright, who was like a son, of Newark, Del. 

Condolences may be left online.