Richard B. Steele, 65, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2008, surrounded by his family.
He was born in New London, CT on October 20, 1942, the son of the late Phillip J. and Margaret (Mahoney) Steele.
Richard graduated from Stonington High School in 1962 and later served in the U.S. Navy as a submariner on the USS Sarda and the USS Sea Owl. He married Beverly Bogue on May 11, 1963. Richard retired from Electric Boat in 2007 as a Nuclear Test Supervisor after working there for 41 years.
Richard enjoyed all things Irish, especially enjoying the four trips he took to Ireland with his sons and brothers to view the picturesque countryside and listen to traditional Irish Music. Richard was also an avid NASCAR fan and often traveled with his sons and brothers to watch area races. He also took a keen interest in his grandchildren's baseball, football, ice hockey and soccer games. Richard truly loved to meticulously landscape his lawn and host the Steele family cookouts with his beloved wife of 45 years.
Besides his wife, Richard is survived by his three sons, Richard Jr. and his wife Tina of Waterford, Michael and his companion, Tina of Wethersfield, and James and his wife Susan of Waterford, VT.
Richard was "Poppa" to his six grandchildren, Brian, Scott, Jason, Zachery, Mackenzie and Cameron, and to his special "grand-dogs," Ike and Monty. Richard also leaves behind his sisters, Phyllis Sutton and her husband Gene of Mystic, Maureen Stone of Mystic, and his four brothers, James P. and his wife Vicki of Old Mystic, Edward and his wife Lynne of Pawcatuck, Donald of Stonington and William of Mystic.
He is also survived by his aunt, Thelma "Tote" Mahoney, of Mystic. Richard was predeceased by his special cousin, Mary Ellen Mahoney.
There are no calling hours. A celebration of Richard's life will be held at the family home on Sunday, September 21, 2008 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. (Additional parking is available in The Dinoto Funeral Home parking lot).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mystic River Ambulance Assoc., PO Box 64, W. Mystic CT 06388, Groton Ambulance Assoc., Route 117, Groton CT 06340, Visiting Nurses Assoc. of SE CT, 403 No.Frontage Rd, Waterford CT 06385.
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