Robert was born in Harris, Michigan and was the son of the late George and Veronica Steele.
Robert joined the Navy in February 1958 and went to Recruit Training at Great Lakes, Illinois. Following recruit training he was assigned to the Reserve Fleet at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and the USS General G.M. Randall (T-AP-115). In 1961, he volunteered for submarine duty and attended Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. Upon graduation, he received orders to the USS Balao (AGSS285) out of Key West, Florida. For the next 27 years, he served aboard the USS Daniel Webster (SSBN626) (BLUE), USS George C. Marshall (SSBN654) (Gold), USS Halibut (SSN587), USS Atlanta (SSN712) and USS Salt Lake City (SNN716) and various submarine support staffs. Robert retired in June of 1987 after completing 29 years, 3 months and 13 days on active duty.
During those periods when Senior Chief Steele was stationed ashore, he was deeply involved in youth sports. He coached and umpired Little League baseball, softball, and youth soccer for boys and girls, ages 5 to 16. During his tour at Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando, he was voted in as the President of the Navy Orlando Youth Sports Association (NOYSA). In this capacity, he was responsible to the Naval Training Center Commander for the overall operation and conduct of all youth sporting activities on the base. These included baseball, softball, football, soccer, basketball, bowling, and cheerleading.
His awards during his time in the service include the coveted Submarine Dolphins, Polaris Patrol Pin with 2 gold stars, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal with two gold stars, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal with gold star, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Citation.
Following his naval career, Robert continued to serve the navy as a civilian Military Personnel Officer for Personnel Support Activity Atlantic and retired again in 1999.
Robert is survived by his wife, Linda, of Virginia Beach; his daughters, Jennifer Curran (Art), Joy Steele (Doug), both of Newport News, VA, and Jane Vogt, of Warner Robbins, GA; sons, Andrew Davis, of Chesapeake, VA and Jeff Carpenter of Hampton, VA; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 2:00pm at Smith & Williams Funeral Home. Inurnment at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, due to Robert's love of his 4 Golden Retrievers memorial donations in his name may be made to the "Angel Fund" at Pet Care Veterinary Hospital, 5201-A Virginia Beach Blvd. Virginia Beach, [email protected]
