1942 - 2025
USMC No Vistitation Date Scheduled
Funeral
February 26, 202511:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Nashua
Joseph (Joe) Steele, 82, of Ayer, MA, passed away after a brief illness with family by his side on Friday February 14, 2025.
Joe was born in Lawrence, MA on October 30,1942, as the first son to the late Preston and Margaret Steele. He grew up in Andover MA, and was a proud member of the Ballardvale neighborhood, a place he lovingly called the “Vale”. Joe joined the Marines in 1960 and later worked for various companies as a Computer Operator. He retired in 2005 after a long career at the IRS.
He met his wife Leslee Perkins Steele in 1970. Spending 13 years together before getting married in 1983, they were together for 54 years. Joe was the proud and loving father to Ashley and David, who dearly miss him.
Joe enjoyed reading, being with his family and enjoying the outdoors. Always making time to feel the warmth of the sun and a calming breeze.
He will be most remembered for his vivid and expressive storytelling and laughter. He always impressed family and friends with his knowledge on just about any topic. He was extremely patient and had a deep appreciation for nature and animals. If he was at your home and an ant crossed the floor, you could expect Joe to gently pick up the ant with his hands and escort it back outside. Even hornets were ushered outside with care.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, his brother Richard Steele of Andover, MA, and his sister Catherine Fingerhut of Ireland.
Survivors include his loving family, his wife, Leslee Steele, his daughter Ashley and her husband Ryan Conway, his son David Steele, and his grandchildren, Nora, Cole, and Thea Conway, all of Ayer, MA, and his sisters, Margaret and her husband Richard Parolisi of Lawrence, MA, and Mary Star and her husband Harry Star of Australia.
Uncle Joe’ will also be missed by all his in- laws and his many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life to honor Joe will be held at the First Baptist Church of Nashua in Nashua, NH on Wednesday February 26th at 11 AM. A private family burial will follow at a later date.
Dana + George Dahl
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Joe – You were a light of love and peace to all of the ‘Perkins girls’ and a safe place for the ‘guys’ to hang out. You were a blessing to all of our family and I’m pretty sure my mother, Phyllis as you called her, was at the front of the line, greeting you at the Gates. We will love and miss you forever.
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Nicole Avery
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So sorry for your loss! Sending love and light.
The McNary Family
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Brian Wall
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Love you Joe, you were a great guy. I was jealous of your knowledge of nature. I cried when you died. Rest in Peace.
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Stephen Paul Meier
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At 52, I cannot remember a time without you here, watching you Love my Aunt Leslee. Whether it was showing me your books and knowledge of this world or your way of strength through quiet (although I never mastered that one), you did it all with kindness. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. You’ll always be remembered as a great man.
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Holly Jaynes Jaynes
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Oh Leslee and dear family, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Joe. I’m so happy you & Joe had 54 years together. What a blessing. Glad I got to visit with you & saw Joe before you moved to Ayer. I’ll see you next week in Nashua. Love Holly & Sally, too💕🙏🏻
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