BORN

1930

DIED

2017

Roger Steele Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 6, 2017.

Roger Steele January 15, 1930 - March 27, 2017 San Diego Roger Steele passed away peacefully at his home in Encinitas, CA on March 27, 2017, at the age of 87. Surrounded by family and loved ones, Roger peacefully departed this world and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.His enthusiasm and positive spirit was a true joy. Roger was loved dearly by his family and friends, and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them. Whether at a sporting event, his favorite bar, around the dinner table, or playing with his grandkids, Roger brought a sense of fun and excitement that will be impossible to replace.Roger was born on January 15, 1930 in Los Angeles, CA to Vernon and Vivian Steele. He was the youngest of two, preceded in death by his brother Varick Steele. Being the son of an actor and musician, and growing up around Hollywood, Roger was occasionally given the opportunity for small roles in film. Some of his fondest and proudest memories were as a child actor sharing the screen with legends like Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Roger often joked that that he "made both their careers" and they have him to thank for their Oscar wins!Roger was drafted into the Korean War at the age of 21 and fought bravely in service of his country. He was a deeply patriotic and proud American.When Roger got out of the service, he returned home to Los Angeles and immediately began working in the finance industry lending money on cars, goods, furniture, even vacuums. Roger got his big break with Seaboard Finance Co. when he was asked to move to Brawley, CA to open up a new branch location. Roger always spoke fondly of his time with Seaboard Finance and the industry in general, with some of his favorite stories coming from conventions and meetings with the California Financial Services Association.Upon settling down in San Diego in the mid-1960s, Roger set out to raise the capital required to start his own business. That culminated in him opening his first company, National City Finance in 1972. This began a long journey of successful business accomplishments which included owning an insurance agency and multiple finance companies over the years. Roger had a fondness for the "Mile of Cars" and focused most all of his career in that area. Roger loved the auto business and took great pride in the business relationships he made over the years.Roger met his wife of 36 years, June Steele, in the business in 1972. They had a loving marriage until her death in 2008. Roger was a true family man and took great pride in his two children, Robert and Michael. Roger had a reputation of being at every practice and every game over the years and was always a vocal supporter in the stands. Roger also took great pride in hearing stories about dance, swim, or baseball or from his three grandchildren: Lauren Vivian (7), Nathan Leo (6), and Katherine June (4). After June's passing, Roger was fortunate to meet and spend his remaining years with Hemi Franklin. Their devotion to each other was inspiring, and Roger was very grateful to have her as his loving partner. Hemi was there at Roger's side until the very end.An avid sports fan, Roger was a longtime seat holder of the Chargers and Padres. Many memorable times were shared with family and friends at these games. Tailgating was a Steele tradition and he was never happier than standing beside a grill with a drink in hand, in heated conversation and storytelling. None of our lives would have been the same without experiencing at least one gameday with "Mr. S.", and I'm sure we will now find him under the "Big Martini Flag in the Sky."Roger is survived by his sister-in-law, Joyce Anderson; his sons, Robert and Michael; his daughters-in-law, Olga and Nicole; his grandchildren Lauren, Nathan, and Kate, and his niece and nephews, Dagmar, Mark, and Randy.Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, April 14th at Greenwood Memorial Park located at 4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113. Their contact number is (619) 450-1479.Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, April 14th at Red Tracton's Restaurant located at 550 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach, CA 92075. Their contact number is (858) 755-6600.In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send a small donation to Helen Woodward Animal Center located at 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067. Their contact number is (858) 756-4117.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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3 Entries

April 7, 2017

Bill Roof

Having a close relationship with Roger for over sixty years as a business associate and close friend, I remember his quick wit and friendly smile. Always a spirited competitor on the golf course he was a joy to be with at any social event.

He loved his family dearly and will be missed greatly.

It has been a joy to know and be associated with him over these past many years.

Bill Roof

April 7, 2017

We met Roger thru his son, Mike. Roger was always a huge baseball fan and proud father and grandfather. Learning that he was a child star, a Patriot, and a successful business man makes him all the more amazing. Blessings to him and to his beloved family. With our love and sincere sympathy, Mike & Kathy Young

April 7, 2017

So sad to hear of Roger's passing.

Laraine Poveromo

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Memorial Events
for Roger Steele

Apr

14

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Greenwood Memorial Park

4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92108

Apr

14

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Red Tracton's Restaurant

550 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach, CA 92108

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