J. Gregory Steele

Shares of national ice cream companies dropped sharply after one of their most significant consumers Greg Steele, age 68, died peacefully at home on April 3. Greg aka "dad" ate ice cream everyday and twice on Sundaes - 24 years of Parkinson's couldn't take that away. A connoisseur of hamburgers, root beer, block parties, haunted houses, Donald Duck impressions, Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, hiring a magician for a daughter's wedding reception and getting to Six Flags Great America early enough to ride the American Eagle at least twice before the lines got too long - Greg enjoyed his kids' childhoods as much as they enjoyed them. Born in Takoma Park, MD as the youngest of five, he spent quality time with his parents, John and Mary, after his older brothers and sister went away to college. His sister Margaret said Greg took on some of his parents' best qualities: family, honesty, integrity and kindness. Greg served his country when he was drafted while at LaSalle University - he ultimately served two years in Germany in the signal corps, a result of having informed the army he was allergic to bullets. Upon his return stateside, he earned an MBA at Marquette University then built a career for many years at the Department of Veterans Affairs. More than forty years ago, Greg met the love of his life, Elvira Aranda. He was a neighbor and she was smitten by his first two questions to her: "Where is the nearest library?" and "Where is the local Catholic church?" Dad was a lifelong cheerleader for the underdog and a constant advocate for the 'little parish that could', Transfiguration of our Lord in Lincoln Square. He spent countless hours as a volunteer, fundraiser and all around supporter. Greg is survived by his wife Elvira, daughters Michele Steele and Ellen Steele Kapoor, son-in-law, Dave Kapoor, and two granddaughters Veda and Asha. We will miss him and will remember him for his enduring love of family, good humor and for being a true friend to church and community. ln lieu of flowers, please send donations in Greg's name to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago - and have some ice cream.