Marlborough – Robert T. Steele, 83, of Marlborough, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Dec. 20, 2020. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Ellen R. (Hough) Steele; his son, Timothy Steele; and his brother, Lawrence Steele.
He is survived by his sons, Michael Steele and his wife Charlene of Sterling and Christopher Steele and his wife Christina of Framingham; his daughter, Ruane Grimaldo and her husband Joseph of Marlborough; his grandchildren, Ryan Steele of Sterling, Joseph Grimaldo of Worcester, Alexandra Grimaldo of Boston, and Samantha Grimaldo and Nicolas Grimaldo, both of Marlborough, along with many nieces nephews, cousins and friends.
Robert was born in Waltham and raised in Newton, the son of the late Lawrence and Ethel (Rouse) Steele. He graduated Newton High School in 1955 then met and married the love of his life Ellen. They moved to the “Little Red House” in Waltham and started their family.
Robert attended night school at Boston College while supporting his family, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a major in Economics and a minor in History. The family moved to Marlborough in 1965 and Robert began his career in insurance with Kemper Insurance in Framingham before joining Amica where he worked over 30 years until his retirement. He even had a vanity plate “Amica 1.”
Robert was a founder of the Marlborough Youth Baseball League and was proud to be the team manager when they won their first Championship. He had a passion for gardening, developing his property for decades and passed that gift onto his children, who had gardens he could admire.
After his retirement, Robert discovered golfing and spent much of his time at Butternut Golf Course. With an affinity for local history, he would do his research, spend time in Weeks Cemetery in Marlborough, he was asked to speak at many academic events and was lovingly referred to as an “Encyclopedia.” Of all his hobbies and traveling adventures, Robert loved his family most of all, especially his grandchildren. All who knew Robert will miss him.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to VNA Hospice and Palliative Care, 199 Rosewood Dr., Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923 or www.vnacare.org/donors.
