HIGHLAND, NY -- John Richard Steele, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 31, 1934, in Ogdensburg, New York, to Mason and Mildred Steele. He was raised on a fourth-generation family dairy farm in Heuvelton, NY, and attended classes at the Heuvelton Central School District. He served in the US Army from 1954 - 1956 and was stationed at Fort Monmouth in New Jersey. There, he met his wife and the love of his life of 66 years, Gail (Perry).
As a child, he was known as Jackie. The name Jack stuck with him; that is how many people knew him. He was well-known and well-liked in the local community. People regularly commented on how nice he was, although he didn’t ‘suffer no fools.’
He was always a hard worker from his early days working on the family dairy farm, while in the Army, and during the many years he spent as a lineman with Jersey Central Power and Light and later with Central Hudson Gas and Electric.
Jack and Gail moved their family from Middletown, New Jersey, to Highland, NY, in 1969 so that they could benefit from this more rural setting. He loved the woods and Illinois Mountain and Black Creek, part of the property they moved to. He always loved and enjoyed his coffee.
He is survived by his brother Sam and sister Marianne and their children, his wife Gail and his sons and daughter John Jr, Jennifer, Jay, Geoffrey, and Perry. He greatly loved all his grandchildren Nichole, Peri, Ciara, Ashlee, Victoria, and Perry Jr., and great-grandchildren Leilah, Novali, Kiera, Perry 3rd, and Maple. They were his world. He always had the biggest smile when he was with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would do anything for them. They were fond of calling him Poppy. He would do anything and drop everything to help his family. He is also survived by a very friendly feline named Jax.
He is often said to have the patience of a saint. The family wish to express their heartfelt thanks for the kindness and care provided by the staff at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital and Hospice, who made his final days peaceful and comfortable.
The family requests that anyone wishing to make donations do so to causes that support preservation and conservation of our beautiful natural environment.
Calling hours are on Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 1 to 5 pm, with a service to follow at 5pm at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 38 Main St. Highland, NY 12528. Reverend Arlene Dawber will officiate the service.
Burial is Private.
