Obituary of John Gregory Steele Jr.

John Steele of Winter Haven, Florida, beloved father, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away Memorial Day weekend at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Auburndale, FL.

A long-term resident of Florida, he also lived in Pennsylvania, the Philippines, New Jersey, and New York. A graduate of NYU, with additional coursework at Wabash and Stanford. He enjoyed a career that took him to 40 countries before pursuing a successful business venture of his own. Steele’s Hardware was an achievement eclipsed only by his dedication to family and his love of sports.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters - Debra Schwab (and husband Ned) FL, Pamela Collishaw (and husband Rich) NY, and Ruth Steele, CO, as well as grandchildren Brian Schwab (and Saradia), Danielle Fredericks (and David), Kevin Schwab (and Shanna), Jessica Ronzetti (and Scott), Michael Schwab (and Lydia), David Collishaw, Elizabeth Brenner (and Kevin), Kelly Collishaw, as well as great grandchildren Benedict, Emerson, Hudson, and Wells. He is pre-deceased by his wife of 67 years Irene, son John, and brother Robert. He will also be remembered by sister-in-law Ann Steele, and nieces and nephews Ken Wiegand, Jon, Wiegand, Carol Diggs, Beth Gottlieb, Joanne Alloco, and Rob Steele.

Family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, June 9, at 10:30 AM in the chapel at St Matthews Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Dr, Winter Haven. Mass to follow at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Meals on Wheels - Winter Haven, or Good Shepherd Hospice House - Auburndale.