George Steele
- – 1934-2018 Ronald George Steele (George to his friends) left his earthly existence on May 30 and reunited with his soulmate Margaret in eternal love. George is survived by his brother John Attaway (Deb), sister Susie Steele, his children David (Sinead), Eileen Starace (Mike) and Bill (Julie).
George always said that his favorite people called him Grandpa, and indeed his grandchildren were the wind in his sails - Michael (Erica), Brittany, Anthony, Martina (Chaise), Connor, Caroline, Claire, Jett, Eva, Gabriella, Cash and expecting his eleventh Grandson in July. George was also “Grandpa” to Tavel, Heather, Erica, Paul, Marian, Colum, Sadie, Erikson and Liam. The love and wisdom he imparted to each of his grandchildren will be a gift they will be able to share with their children, extending George’s spirit for generations to come.
George was predeceased by his wife Margaret (2006), his sister Pat Steele (2016) and his parents Walter (1984) and Lillian (2006).
George was born in 1934 in Depression-era San Diego and moved to Arizona when he was a Junior in High School. After high school, George honorably served in the US Army 1953 to 1955.
George married Margaret in 1957. In 1959, he graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Agricultural Economics and went to work for Valley National Bank. Over a 33-year career with the bank, he worked in many areas ranging from collection teller – one of his favorite jobs, branch manager in Douglas, President of California Valley Bank in Fresno, CA and retired as the Bank’s Executive Officer for southern Arizona.
While working for Valley Bank, George was active in many community endeavors. He served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Arizona Office of Economic Planning and Development, on the Boards of the Greater Tucson Economic Council, the Tucson Chamber, and the Tucson Unified School District Business Advisory Council to name a few. In 1984-1985, he proudly served as President of the Arizona State University Alumni Association.
After retiring from the bank, George remained as busy as ever. He was very active in the Tucson Symphony, serving two stints as the Symphony’s interim CEO. George was also a member of the Pima College, Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise and Marshall Foundation Boards.
George also loved politics and was exceptionally proud of his work as Jim McNulty’s Congressional campaign treasurer.
All who knew him will miss George’s dry humor and witty insights. Many sought him out for advice and counsel, and he was generous with his time and knowledge. George also loved his community and was happy to serve it.
Late in his life, George began telling folks that he loved them. In his memory, make sure to remind the people with whom you are close that you love them.
To honor George’s legacy, the family requests that instead of flowers, donations be made to either the St. Luke’s Home, 615 E. Adams, Tucson, AZ 85705 or the Tucson Community Food Bank, P.O. Box 26727, Tucson, AZ 85726. A celebration of George’s life will take place on Saturday, June 2nd at 2:00 PM at the Desert Skies United Methodist Church, 3255 N. Houghton Road, Tucson, Arizona.