William "Bill" Steele

William “Bill” Steele, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at home with his loved ones at his side.

William was the son of Lewis Steele, Sr. and Emogene (Brigham) Steele, born on August 8, 1931. He grew up in Porter Corners, NY with his brothers, Lewis, Bruce, Richard, Virgil and sisters, Hazel, Jean and Kathleen.

He served in the US Army during the Korean War. Throughout his childhood and into his teens Bill was drawn to music. His first gig was with Pete Peterson and Russell Ormsby in the "Melody Mountain Boys" where he played steel guitar. They entertained all over the northern region of NY. The first time Bill ever sang was on the roof of the snack bar during intermission at the Malta Drive-in. They also appeared on the Ted Mack Amateur show, where they took fifth place. Then he went on to establishing his own band Bill Steele "Mark III Trio" and played for years at Joe Collins Park Lounge. During his time at Joe Collins is when he met a beautiful young woman who became his wife, Diana Vallone.

Bill worked at ESPEY Manufacturing for 20 years. From there, Bill went on to work for Encore Electronics as the Production Manager for over 20 years, where he retired. He was an entrepreneur and a jack of all trades who could fix anything.

Bill enjoyed his family, traveling, camping, riding motorcycles and was fascinated with airplanes. He was the most wonderful loving father anybody could have. We were so blessed to call him dad and he will be forever missed.

William is survived by daughters, Sheri Steele (Thomas Marcellus), Kristi Jennings (Greg Worsa), Donna Lampkin (Thomas), Debbie Latalladi, Nina Casale; and son, Nicholas Steele, brother, Virgil Steele; sisters, Jean Irwin (Richard) and Kathleen Pfeiffer (Richard); Grandchildren; Stephanie Duell, Ryan Heritage (Rehgan), Michael Lombardo, Angela Duell, Shealyn Heritage, Lacie Heritage, Joseph Latalladi.

He is preceded in death by wife, Diana Steele; brothers, Lewis Steele, Bruce Steele and Richard Steele and sister, Hazel Latham; Granddaughter Emily Rose Latalladi and his first wife, Sheryl Diane Mitchell Steele.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Delora Moulton and Stacey Fitzgerald for their companionship and compassionate care they provided for Bill during his last few difficult weeks.

A funeral service will be held at 8:00 pm on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.) Saratoga Springs, New York. Family and friends may call from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. 

In Lieu of Flowers please donate to Saratoga Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or the Veterans Association at https://www.vetsaa.org.

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