Brewer & Bangor - Ernest F. Steele died July 16, 2025. Well folks if you’re reading this, I’ve left the planet (spiritually). I’m Ernest “Ernie” Steele, born in Rumford, Maine on May 6, 1932, to Fred and Alice (Goodwin) Steele.

I attended St. Athanasius Grammer School, and graduated from Stephens High School in the class of 1950, then attended MCI, Maine Central Institute, prep school (1950-51). In 1952, during the Korean War, I enlisted in the US Navy (Aviation) 1952-56. After my years, I enrolled at the University of Southern Maine (USM) Portland.

I briefly worked in Washington DC area for a government electronics contractor. During this time, I married the love of my life, Teresa Willett, whom I met when she was a nursing student at Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine.  We returned to Maine, and I completed my education at Husson College in Bangor. I later worked in the Insurance Industry as a Fire Protection Engineer, evaluating manufacturing throughout Maine and New Hampshire, retiring after 30 years.  While at Husson we had two children, Cathy and Susan.

I am survived by my daughter Catherine Steele (Jamie Willey, grandson Josh Willey, and grand dog Ruby), my daughter Susan Steele (Steve LeBlanc, granddaughter Nicole LeBlanc, and grand dog Jack), brother-in-law Thomas “Tom” Willett (Anita Shannon), numerous nieces and nephews. I was predeceased by my wife of nearly 64 years, Teresa Marie Willett Steele; my parents, Fred and Alice Steele; sister, Claire Steele Goodwin (Lee Goodwin); brother, Francis “Frank” Steele; Sister Elizabeth “Betty” Steele Yeager (Art Yeager).

It's been a heck of ride. I’ll try to smooth out the way on the next trip!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John’s Catholic Church, 217 York St, Bangor, Maine

The family would like to express appreciation for the care and compassion shown toward Erine by Sylvia Ross Home, D&C Home Care, Ross Manor, and Beacon Hospice.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ernest’s name to the Teresa Willett Steele Scholarship at Husson University, 1 College Circle, Bangor, Maine 04401 or to St. Paul of the Apostle Parish, 217 York St, Bangor Maine 04401. Arrangements trusted to Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer. Messages and memories may be shared with his family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.