Jeffrey (Jeff) Steele, 55, passed away unexpectedly in his home in Charlotte, N. C. due to a combination of medical conditions, some resulting from an auto accident.
He was born in Wooster Oh., to Robert and Vivian (Gossard) Steele, the youngest of five siblings.
A graduate of Triway high School 1984, Jeff held fond memories of playing percussion in the band, of which instilled an ongoing interest in attending band performances, parades, and especially competitions, and he returned to his alma mater to march in the Triway Alumni Band. When possible, he timed family visits to experience the simple joys of the Wayne Co. Fair to watch the bands and soak in all of the nostalgia of home encapsulated in that event.
He graduated from Southeastern Academy of Travel and Tourism for airline training and began a long career as a Flight Attendant, previously with Piedmont, U.S. Air, and others, his most recent post being with American Airlines. He was a natural at putting the comfort of others to the forefront, and thus was rewarded for his gregarious and generous spirit early in his career as Employee of the Month for the entire airline.
Jeff loved the city life of which Charlotte offered. Having many interests, he embraced new experiences, loved travel, and was always at the ready for fun and excitement. He called Charlotte home for many years where he was blessed by so many wonderful deep and lasting friendships. while always returning to his home place in Wooster to visit family and friends of his youth.
An avid animal lover, Jeff left behind two fur babies, Dallas and Murphy and the family would like to thank all involved who saw to their care and rehoming to a safe and happy new life. He joins his beloved Mabel at the Rainbow Bridge.
So many adjectives could be used to try to describe Jeff, a few would be adventurous, friendly, energetic, kind, magnetic, likeable, sincere, fun and fun-loving, thrill seeking, considerate, courteous, and simply extra-ordinary. He was known for his wonderfully unique dry sense of humor and adored the humor of Gary Larson cartoons, Saturday Night Live, and The Onion satire. Always sharing some new pop culture item or movie critique, he stayed forever young in his vitality. He had a core deep love of all things Autumn, reveled in Halloween celebrations and expressed his creativity by each new annual seasons costume. He was a sports fan, loved theme parks, fast cars and the simplicity of a hayride. Jeff was proud of his Norwegian heritage, having a genealogy traced to the Viking age through his immigrant great-grandparents, natives of Odda, Norway.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Jon (Maryanne} Steele. Left to mourn him are siblings, Robert Jr. aka Nick (Pam) Steele, Gregory (Barbara) Steele, and Robin (Rod) Biddle, Steele, his nieces and nephews who were close in age and more like siblings, Greg Jr Steele., Sherry (Steele) Warden, Amy (Steele) Palfy, Lisa (Steele) Revercomb, Lesley and Jodie Biddle.
A small family private service will be held in Wooster with a celebration of life forthcoming in Charlotte. McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is handling the arrangements. The Good Shepherd Funeral Home, Life and Legacy of Charlotte also offers condolences online.
A true testimony to Jeff’s memory were the hundreds of comments made on social media, to quote one….Rest in peace Jeff, you have earned your wings now, fly and be free and soar with the angels.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
Service
A small family private service will be held in Wooster with a celebration of life forthcoming in Charlotte.
Visitation
I went to High school and graduated same class. Always fond memories. My condolences to
the family. Prayers
My deepest sympathy to Jeff’s family & friends..Peace to your hearts.
Robin, I was sorry to see your family has once again been struck by this great sorrow. They and you are in my thoughts.
So sorry to see this. Condolences to the family. We were next door neighbors on Columbus road.