Obituary of Robert Leeman Steele

Robert Steele, 93, of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully at his home on November 1, 2023. Robert (Bob, Bobby) was born on June 7, 1930 in Stafford, KS to the late Myrtle and Frank Steele of McComb, OH. He was predeceased in death by his loving wife, Helene of 61 years, his sister Mary Ewing of Findlay, OH, his son-in-law, John Wilson and daughter-in- law, Desiree Steele. Bob is survived by four children; Donald Backhurst (Toni) of Hendersonville, TN, Eileen Wilson (John) of St. Augustine, FL, Robert Steele Jr. (Desiree) of Dunlap, IA and Cynthia Pucci (Richard) of Darien, CT. Bob was a loving grandfather to 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Bob graduated from high school in Stafford, KS, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Park College in Parkville, Missouri. He worked for Kraft-Heinz (formerly, Standard Brands Corporation) for 35 years as a Food Scientist and then as a Director. He had many accomplishments in this career including working on several products such as Chase and Sanborn coffee, making butterscotch flavored pudding, yeast products, Planter potato chips and inventing the process for Planter's Dry Roasted Peanuts. Bob was an active member of First Presbyterian Church (Fish Church) of Stamford, CT where he served as an Elder, and in retirement, volunteered in the church office doing a variety of tasks. Bob was always a community helper. He worked alongside his wife Helene when she along with other church members started a food program where they cooked and served food monthly at Pacific House; a homeless shelter in Stamford. Bob participated in this program for 20+ years. Bob was an Army Veteran serving in the Korean War in the Intelligence division. He was stationed in Germany. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Army of Occupation Medal (Germany). Bob loved his family and friends and looked forward to family gatherings. He was an active volunteer in Scouting when his children were young and was best known on the campouts for telling "shaggy dog" stories. Bob loved a good joke and would always be able to think of one upon "cue." He loved to travel and take the family on a variety of long road trips, or impromptu day trips. He was a longtime volunteer for the Norwalk Community College Archaeological Society where he pieced artifacts together. Bob also enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and continued working on them even up to his passing. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 4-7pm at Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Rd. Darien, CT. A celebration of life service will be held on Monday at 10am at Lawrence Funeral Home, followed by burial at Spring Grove Cemetery with Full Military Honors, in Darien. In lieu of flowers, the family asks if donations could be made in his name to First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, CT, 1101 Bedford Street, 06905.