Editor’s note: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced with the proper mental health support and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Eric Steinhilber, 30, who was known for his “natural charisma” and “kindhearted” nature, spent the last year trying to rebuild his life after relapsing into addiction, according to his attorney.

That fight tragically ended on Friday, when Steinhilber took his life in the municipal parking garage next to the Staten Island Courthouse in St. George after an appearance in an ongoing case.

He had recently moved to Staten Island from New Jersey.

“We were devastated to learn of the death of our client Eric Steinhilber on Friday,” his attorney Stephanie Pope said in a statement to the Advance/SILive.com.

She said Steinhilber was a union electrician “who had a promising future” despite his legal hurdles.

“Eric dedicated the last year to rebuilding his life after relapse into opioid use disorder,” Pope said. “He was fiercely committed to his recovery and surrounded by a loving family who supported him in that journey.”

Pope added, “We hope Eric will be remembered not for this tragic event but for the meaningful progress he was making in recovery, his generosity, and his kindness.”

Born and raised in New Jersey

Born in Pompton Plains, Steinhilber lived most of his life in Totowa, New Jersey. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 102 in Parsippany. He worked multiple jobs, including for a plumbing company and at ShopRite in the New Jersey communities of Ramsey and Little Falls.

“Eric was loved by all that met him, he had a natural charisma about him that instantly made you care for him,” his obituary said. “He was generous and kindhearted.

“He loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed it when everyone was together for the holidays and other special occasions. He had a wonderful sense of humor and made us all laugh.”

He “adored” the daughter of his girlfriend Emily Sirugo, according to his obituary.

Steinhilber mentored children through the Police Athletic League in Totowa where he had played football, baseball, soccer, basketball, and floor hockey as a youth. He rooted for his favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys.

Battling substance use disorder

“Your family and friends knew you were more than your addiction,” the obituary said, adding that “we will all remember Eric for the loving and warm person he was. Your battle is over kiddo; you are finally free.”

“Eric was a good kid who struggled with issues,” said his stepfather, Tom Daub. “He was not a criminal. He needed help, not jail. Sadly, that wasn’t an option.”

Steinhilber had appeared in court on Friday morning, where he was sentenced to three years of incarceration after pleading guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Steinhilber was granted time to say goodbye to his family before stepping into custody, and was found mortally wounded a short time later.

Pope said that Steinhilber had the steadfast support of his loved ones as the legal process unfolded.

“Last spring, more than a dozen relatives and friends wrote letters to the court praising his gentle and thoughtful nature and his contributions to the community,” Pope said. “We on his legal team were also privileged to observe these qualities throughout the time we knew him.”

‘The strain’ of the prospect of incarceration

Pope advocates for treatment, rather than jail time, for people suffering from substance use disorder or mental illnesses.

“As a defense attorney, I regularly witness the strain the prospect of incarceration places on our clients and their families, particularly those grappling with mental illness or addiction,” Pope said. “Eric’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of imprisoning those who need treatment.”

In addition to his stepfather, the obituary says that he is survived by his mother, Pamela Steinhilber Daub (Wurczinger) of Totowa, and grandmother Dolores Wurczinger.

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Editor’s note: The Advance/SILive.com typically limits reporting on suicides to those that occur in crowded public places, involve public figures or, in special circumstances, where there is a larger public impact. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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