Raymond A. Steelman RAYMOND STEELMAN, 81 of Hilton Head Island, SC, formerly of Wall, NJ passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2013 after a long illness Born in Orange, NJ he was the son of the late Raymond A. Steelman and Mary Beck Steelman. He graduated from Denison University in 1953 and while there was a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta National Honor Society. He served in the US Army Medical Corp. at the end of the Korean War. After his service, he was employed by the AT&T as a National Account Manager of Sales for Foreign Flag Airlines and Steamship Corporation. Ray left AT&T to fulfill his desire to work with children with learning disabilities. He received his Master's Degree in Special Education from Kean University, Union, NJ and was the Director of Special Services in the Wall Township public school system. Ray is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dorothy; daughter Susan Speir and her husband Brant of Florence, SC; son Christopher and Julie of San Francisco, CA; and granddaughters Alyssa and Kristen Speir of Charleston, SC. He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy K. Steelman and brother, Robert B. Steelman. After retiring, Ray and his wife moved to Hilton Head Island in 1991 where he was active in the Hilton Head Plantation Fishing Club and the Farmers Club. He was a member of St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church. Ray and Dorothy traveled extensively in Europe, Scandinavia and Greece. Few had a greater love of the sea, and Ray and Dorothy shared numerous cruises. Ray was the consummate outdoorsman, as accomplished in the garden as he was on the sea. Ray was a gardener who could grow anything, a fisherman who proved successful despite the conditions. A highly respected master of both fresh and saltwater fishing, he took every opportunity to share his love of the sport. Rays legacy is assured, as his passion and knowledge will be shared for generations. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30am Monday, February 25 at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church. The Island Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. www.theislandfuneralhome.com.
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Dear Mrs. Steelman, Susan and Chris, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you all and wish I was there now to give each one of you a big hug. May Ray rest in Peace! Love you, Lisa Padula
February 26, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Steelman family. Rest in peace Ray.
John Padula
February 25, 2013
My Dear Dorothy, I am sadden by Ray leaving you but happy that he has gone on to glory and not suffering any more. I think of the many laughs that we shared and hold them dear to my heart. May he rest in peace.
Karen Nolan (formerly of Dr. Eiblings office)
February 25, 2013
Love you forever, Grandpa. You're always in my heart.
Love, Aly
Aly Speir
February 24, 2013
I MISS YOU SOOOOO MUCH DAD
I LOVE YOU FOREVER!
So long ;)XOXO
Susan
Susan Speir
February 24, 2013
Missing you sooo much grandpa. You are in my heart always. Love you!!!
Kristen Speir
February 24, 2013
I MISS YOU SO MUCH DAD
I LOVE YOU FOREVER!
So Long ;)
Susan xo
Susan Speir
February 24, 2013
I MISS YOU SO MUCH DAD
I LOVE YOU
Susan xoxoxo
So long ;)
Susan Steelman
February 24, 2013
So sorry to hear of Ray's passing, my life is richer for having known him and having had him as a boss in Wall.
Arlene Gaona
February 23, 2013
To Dorothy and Family, We are sorry for your loss. We loved Ray and will miss him very much. Mary,Chris,Sherry,Celeste,and Toya.
Mary Werner
February 23, 2013
Dear Dorothy & Family
Sorry to hear of Ray's passing. My niece, Irene Couture (she worked for Ray at SS) informed me today. Memories are great and thank God we have many good ones. Working with you at Central and having contact with Ray until his retirement will always remain in my memories, along with our children growing up together. We certainly loose contact when we retire.
May you and your family gently regain a worth for living without him. God Bless.
Pat Sroka
February 23, 2013
our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...from our family..island ideas..bob, bob, colleen and joe
February 23, 2013
My condolences to Ray's family. I was privileged to work with a for him as a Special Ed teacher in Wall Township. You will be in my prayers.
Beverly Jones (McCollum)
February 23, 2013
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