Obituary of John J. Steele

John passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2025 at age 72. Predeceased by his parents, Howell and Sydney Steele. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Margaret “Peg” Steele; sister, Jennifer (Bruce) Brooks of Austin, Texas and brother, Andy (Kathy) Steele of Hickory, North Carolina; also, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

John grew up in Brookville, PA and always carried a reverence for his small-town upbringing.  He was awarded a B.Sc. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Management/Economics and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.  He began his career working for the IRS in New Jersey, then moved to Syracuse where he worked for Crouse-Hinds Company, Wang Laboratories and Pass & Seymour.  In 1987, he moved to Rochester for a position at Bausch & Lomb and then Applied Coatings, Inc. selling optical thin films for almost 20 years.  He travelled extensively to Europe and Asia in that capacity.  In 2007, he joined High Tech Rochester and was awarded a black belt in Innovation Engineering.  John worked briefly with the Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise from which he retired in 2015.

John had many passions including volleyball, golf, music, cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, riding his recumbent bikewith his biking buddies and hiking the Grand Canyon on several occasions.  He maintained close friendships with the “Pitt Crew” from graduate school for almost 50 years.  His annual trips to Brookville for Steele reunions were always a highlight of the summer for him and his very close-knit family.  He was legendary in family Trivial Pursuit games.  He loved sharing beers on “Untapped” with his many friends.  

John will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul who loved to party and reminisce.  His close family and many friends are a testament to the love he gave and received throughout his life.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 12, from 10 AM– 12 PM with a Funeral Service at 12 PM BOTH at FalvoFuneral Home, 1295 Fairport Nine Mile Pt. Rd. Webster, N.Y. 14580. Interment private. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to UR MedicineHome Care.