ROBERT STEELE

ROBERT J. STEELE  Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.)  
Quietly on June 8, 2016. Funeral was at Grace Episcopal Church, Alexandria, VA, followed by interment in the columbarium. Born January 31, 1936 in Phillipsburg, PA, he was President of the student body and graduated from Penn State and was commissioned an Ensign (NROTC) in 1958. In the Navy, he had command of USS Fox, USS Mahan and USS McMorris; XO USS Turner Joy; and served aboard USS Norfolk and USS Forrest Sherman. Shore duty included the Naval War College; BUPERS; Navy Staff (OP-06); ISA/OSD; White House Social Aide (Johnson Presidency); CNO personal staff; and EA to the VCNO, when he was promoted to Rear Admiral. As a flag officer he was Director, Pol-Mil Division (OP-61), and Chief of Staff, CINCUSNAVEUR (London), from which he retired in 1988. Principal decorations included: Legion of Merit (x3); Meritorious Service (x2); Bronze Star (w/Combat V); Navy Comm (CV); multiple unit and campaign ribbons; and the Presidential Service Badge. After retiring, he devoted his efforts to volunteer work, serving on the vestry of Grace Church, including as Sr and Jr Warden. An outstanding naval officer, lover of theater and music, and a kind, intelligent, and clever man -- he will be greatly missed by numerous friends and family.