Gerald James Steele

WINTHROP – Gerald James Steele, 81, died on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, after a brief illness surrounded by his family.He was born on May 2, 1941, at home on Depot Street in Waldoboro, Maine, the son of Floyd and Minnie (Chickering) Steele.He attended grade school in Waldoboro and in 1951 his family moved to Freeport where he graduated from Freeport High School in 1959.When his family moved to Freeport he met the love of his life Barbara Jo Gandy, his bride of 61 years. They married on August 6, 1960.In 1961 he graduated from SMVTI with a degree in auto mechanics and worked as a mechanic for 2 years before starting his teaching career. He obtained his teaching degree from University of Southern Maine and started his career in Portsmouth, NH where he taught for 2 years before making the move to Winthrop High School.He was instrumental in leading the first Co-Op program at Winthrop High School. His vital role in the creation and the execution of the Co-Op program at Winthrop, over a 30-year career, knit local businesses and students together, providing lifelong lessons to those who benefitted from his teaching and from being supported by him.He was committed to his community and loved to be involved in activities such as playing Squire Winthrop, driving the original Rambler bus for many sporting and extra-curricular activities for the school, and being the auctioneer for many events in the community as well.When he wasn’t involved in community and school events and activities, Gerry enjoyed square dancing with his wife Barbara, camping with his family, white water canoeing trips with family and many friends, and puttering in his gardens. His family meant the world to him. He was the biggest cheerleader on the sidelines, in the stands, or in the crowd, attending all his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities. No matter when or where you met Gerry, he would always greet you with a large bear hug and smile. His positivity and love of life was infectious, and he always had a word or phrase to make you smile. He will be greatly missed and the impact he had on this world will be forever felt.His favorite saying is one to always remember: “Yesterday is a canceled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is cash on hand, spend it all!”He is predeceased by his parents; his siblings Mary Steele Bartlett, Harwood Steele, Chesley Steele, Robert Steele and Paul Steele; daughter in-law Carlene Steele; 3 infant granddaughters Abby, Ellie, and Faith Steele; as well as his beloved son Jason Steele.He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Jo (Gandy) Steele; daughter Tracy (Steele) Vickerson and husband George, son Mark Steele, son Matthew Steele and wife Darlene, daughter Rebecca Ouellette and husband Robert, son James Steele and wife Sandra; grandchildren Gina Pomerleau, Tia Pomerleau, Damian Steele, Jacob Steele and fiancé Sarah Jo, Kyle Steele, Marianne (Vickerson) Gillespie and husband Corey, Emily (Vickerson) Wilkinson and husband Nia, Jack Vickerson, Catherine (Ouellette) McHugh and husband Dennis, Jr., Lily Ouellette, Zachary Steele, Spencer Steele, and Ian Steele; great-grandchildren: Madison Weymouth, Matthew St. Hilaire, Julian Gillespie, Scarlett Gillespie, Mia Wilkinson, Zion Wilkinson, Nyla Wilkinson, Zara Wilkinson, Kia Wilkinson, Jada Wilkinson, and Zayla Vickerson; and several nieces and nephews.Gerry’s Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 1:00 pm at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 130 SR-133 Winthrop. His burial will be private and held later at Glenside Cemetery, Turkey Lane, Winthrop.Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop where memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page at our website http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerry’s memory to Gerry Steele Scholarship Fund, c/o Barbara Steele,537 Old Lewiston Rd,Winthrop, ME 04364.