Robert "Bob" Steele

Rocky Mount -

Robert B. Steele, age 73, passed away peacefully under hospice care after a long struggle with health issues related to cancer on January 25, 2022. He was born on May 11, 1948, in Pineville, West Virginia.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Hatler B. Steele and Pauline Syck and his brother, Eugene Steele.

Bob’s philosophy in life was to never stop learning.  He graduated from Tri-C in Ohio with an associate degree in liberal arts and theatrics.  He completed his bachelor’s degree in Health Science from a college in the Dominican Republic and taught at a medical school there for two years.  Upon returning home he completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cleveland State University.  He went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from Kent University and completed doctoral classwork to become a certified rehabilitation counselor.

Bob dedicated his life to working with and advocating for people who have disabilities.  He worked in special education Cuyahoga County, Ohio from 1978 to 1990. He moved to NC where he taught graduate students in the special education master’s program at UNC-Charlotte from 1992 until he himself became disabled in 2005.  He co-authored several research papers and a chapter in a textbook on psychiatric rehabilitation as well as presenting at national conferences.  He also obtained grants to develop special ed. curriculum, supported employment programs and transition programs across the state.  He always said his greatest accomplishment was training doctors and psychiatrists in Poland about community-based services for people with severe disabilities and mental illness.  On the side he enjoyed playing guitar in bands with his best friend, Joe Krowka, and jamming with big named musicians.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 17 years, Cynthia Steele; son, Connor Steele; and cousin, Cindy Ducros of Texas.

A celebration of life service for Robert is scheduled for 11:00 am, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. The family will greet friends immediately following the service. The service will be livestreamed for anyone who cannot make it in person.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society by visiting: https://donate3.cancer.org/campaign=CY16MemPage2&giftType=mem&giftTypeMonthlyDisplay=0&_ga=2.9069169.5145551.1643218899-1104859772.1635958438. 

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