Deacon Richard E. Steinmetz, one of the first lay deacons in the Archdiocese of Louisville, died Jan. 27. He was 71.
Deacon Steinmetz was a former director of Catholic Cemeteries and for many years was the controller for the archdiocese.
In his later years, Deacon Steinmetz assisted the late Bishop Charles G. Maloney, and he also served as deacon at Our Mother of Sorrows Church.
In recent years he had served as a deacon at St. Joseph Home for the Aged, where he was a resident.
Deacon Steinmetz was a graduate of St. Xavier High School and Bellarmine University.
Survivors include a sister, Ginny Castella; three brothers, Louis F., Ron W. and Paul J. Steinmetz; a niece and two nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial was held Jan. 30 at Our Mother of Sorrows Church. Burial was in St. Michael Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor.
