It is with profound sadness and love that we share the passing of Carl B. Steele, beloved husband, father, (great) grandfather and friend. Carl lived a remarkable 90 years and is remembered as a man of faith, kindness and devotion. We were lucky to have him with us for many years and are happy that he is now reunited with the Lord and loved ones who have gone before.

The oldest son of Carl G. Steele and Lois Zimmerman-Steele, he grew up in Kingston, Pennsylvania with younger siblings David and Lois. As a child and teen, Carl was bright and clever. Many adventures with his brother and friends from the neighborhood and church filled his days. He excelled in school and had a love of learning and great mind for visualization and design. He worked well with his hands and stayed busy helping his father with the family painting business, as well as spending summers with his Grandma and Grandpa Zimmerman on their farm, helping with chores and enjoying the outdoors and animal friends.

Carl graduated from Kingston High School in 1952 and after attended Williamson Free School of the Mechanical Trades outside of Philadelphia. There he grew his knowledge of engineering and design, taking classes on mechanics, drafting, welding and machining. He soon graduated and returned home to Wilkes-Barre, but his stay would be short lived because in 1957 he enlisted into the Army. He traveled to Ft. Jay in New York and Ft. Lee in Virginia and was eventually sent overseas to Korea to assist in the efforts after the armistice agreement. His time in the army brought him new eye-opening experiences and he enjoyed the opportunity to learn about new people and places.

When he returned home from the service in 1959, he reconnected with family and friends. One girl in particular caught his attention when she strolled up at a Friday night football game and said "Oh hi Carl! Where ya been?!" Rose and Carl were married on June 11th, 1960, and when he got offered a job in Connecticut they moved and started their life together. Their sons Bruce and Carl were born there in Connecticut, in 1961 and 63, and the four of them shared their first experiences as a family – celebrating holidays and snowdays, occasionally visiting home in Pennsylvania and getting their first family pets. They moved from Connecticut to Ohio around 1965, living in Athens and then Cincinnati as Carl followed the work. In 1970, they welcomed their third child, daughter Shana, to the family.

Over the years their family lived in various parts of Cincinnati, with the kids participating in band, sports, boy scouts and other activities. Carl was always involved in what his kids were doing, coaching and umpiring countless baseball and softball games and attending concerts, shows, parades and graduations. He loved his family and spent lots of time at home with them and their many dogs – and even one pony! Raising three… let's call them lively, kids, through the sixties and seventies was no easy task and brought its fair share of trials, but Rose and Carl's love for each other and their children withstood. They celebrated anniversaries year after year as their children grew up, got married, and had children of their own.

Carl worked throughout this time, trying out a few positions before settling at Xomox Corporation where he managed the production engineering department. He was a compassionate and astute man, making him excellent at his role. His job took him around the world to places like India, China, Mexico and Taiwan for work, something he very much enjoyed. And he always made sure to bring home gifts for his wife and family at home. He was highly respected and cherished for his intelligence, dedication and attentiveness to the needs of the company and his employees there for over 25 years before he retired.

Although he did go back to work part time for a few years, he spent most of his later years spending time with Rose and family. Rose and Carl celebrated fifty years, then fifty-five years, then sixty years together. They traveled to Hawaii, Cancun and the Smoky Mountains numerous times, attended Willie Nelson concerts, spent time with friends and continued to watch their family grow. Carl was just as involved in his grandkids lives as he was his own children. Whether it was building playsets, showing up to their games, supporting their hobbies or just giving advice, he played an active role in their lives. His gentleness, care, and sweet, silly nature was the glue that kept his family close through all the ups and downs life brings.

Carl celebrated his 65th anniversary with Rose this year. His love for her endured the struggles that come with the last years of life. He knew in his heart that she was the one who would take care of him, and she did until his last breath.

We know that Carl lives on within each of us who was touched by him. He lived a truly exceptional life. We will remember him as a man full of generosity, kindness, and never-ending love. Someone who would always lend a helping hand, who always had time for those he loved. He was a blessing to us all, and he will be dearly missed. He is now reunited with those who preceded him in death – his parents Carl and Lois Steele; his sister Lois Steele, and son-in-law David Rothert.

Carl is survived by his wife Rose Steele, brother David Steele and wife Elaine, son Bruce Steele and his wife Jenny, son Carl G. Steele and his wife Milena, and his daughter Shana Rothert. He also leaves behind grandchildren Bruce/Monica, Eric/Lindsey, Jordan, Justin, Ashley, Thomas, Micella and Ethan, and great-granddaughter Kylie, as well as many loving nieces and nephews and countless friends who helped along the way.

If you would like to donate in his memory, please consider donating to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.