Robert Wallace "Bob" Steele

1946 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Wallace Steele
1946 - 2025
East Longmeadow
Robert "Bob" Wallace Steele died peacefully at home on November 30, 2025. Bob was born in Springfield, MA on February 9, 1946. He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth Fowler Steele and Charles Henry Steele. Bob leaves behind his devoted wife, Beverly "Bev" Jean Steele; his sons Doug Steele and his wife Andi of Wilbraham, and Dave Steele and his wife Colleen of Hampden; and four beloved grandchildren - Trevor, Bennett, Clara, and Anna.
Bob married his high school sweetheart, Bev, and together they shared over 50 wonderful years of marriage as partners, best friends, and constant companions. He was deeply proud to see both sons build loving families of their own and grateful for his four grandchildren.
A graduate of East Longmeadow High School (1963), Bob went on to earn a B.A. in Psychology from Williams College (1967). After college, he attended Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. He proudly served aboard the USS Mattaponi, completing two tours off the coast of Vietnam.
Following his Navy service, Bob began a 37-year career with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (and its successor organizations). Working in the Group Pension Division, he held roles in sales, training, management, technical support, and relationship management – ultimately retiring from Prudential Financial in 2006.
Bob was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church in East Longmeadow, where he served as Moderator and on numerous committees, including the Board of Deacons, Business and Finance, Missions and Outreach and the Retired Men's Group. He was also active in the Charles Spellman Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite and the Melha Shrine, where he belonged to the Hadji Moped Unit.
A dedicated volunteer, Bob gave his time to many community programs including Kensington School in Springfield, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the East Longmeadow Soccer Association and the East Longmeadow Free Clinic. He also served as a Director of the Eastham, MA Historical Society and was a Past President of the East Longmeadow Jaycees.
Sports played a central role in Bob's life. He played soccer in high school and college as well as baseball and basketball in high school. He enjoyed golfing with friends and participated in community and church softball and soccer leagues. Bob was always an energetic presence at sporting events which included coaching youth baseball, basketball and soccer teams for many years as well as actively attending his grandchildren's games.
Travel was a great joy in Bob's life. Bob and Bev treasured their time at their Cape Cod home. He also visited all 50 states, more than 30 foreign countries, and numerous national parks and monuments, with a special fondness for trips throughout the American West.
Bob enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, refinishing furniture and collecting stamps, coins and German steins.
Calling hours will be held on Monday December 8th from 3-7 pm at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home in East Longmeadow. A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church in East Longmeadow on Tuesday December 9th at 10 am. Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 27116-7023 or the First Congregational Church of East Longmeadow at 5 Somers Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Forastiere Smith