Jerome Eugene “Jerry” Steele, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2023.

Beloved father of Zachary Parker Steele and Dillon Tucker Steele. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Cathy Steele, Betsy (Jim) Backe, Don (Chris) Steele. Best friend to Eve Sharpe Steele (mother of Dillon Steele). “Coolest uncle of all time” to Kadtie (Jack) Wojciehowski, Tim (Rowan Allegra Reyes) San Filippo, Joe (Kate) Backe, Matt (Jenny) San Filippo, Nicholas Steele and Andrew Steele. Adoring great uncle of Grayce, River, Ayla and Shane Wojciehowski, Walt and Calvin Backe, and Teddy San Filippo. Dear nephew of Mike (Nancy) Weil and David (Ruth Halperin) Weil. Treasured first cousin of Gene (Katherine Borsecnik) Weil, Sue (Sandy Goodman) Weil, Ted Weil, Ilene (Fred) Siegel. Affectionately known as “Jer-Bear”. Cherished cousin, friend and mentor to so many who felt like close family.  Jerry was the devoted son of Donald and Nancy Steele, who preceded him in death. He was someone who was always there when they needed him, while at the same time he surrounded them with his magnetic energy and kept them on their toes.

Jerry Steele was a dynamic and passionate businessman and entrepreneur. Beginning his career in media sales, first radio and then television, Jerry went on to become CEO of his own successful media buying and strategic planning company, MultiMarket Media. Jerry was highly respected by clients and coworkers alike for his leadership, tenacity, keen insights and visionary ideas. An avid photographer, Jerry was also the force behind his second company J. Steele Photography/Model Obsessions. His creative work in glamour/model photography was highly regarded by his colleagues in the artistic community and his clients. Jerry opened his home and his heart to so many and “Jerry’s Pool” was always the place to be for a good time.

Jerry was best known as a dedicated father who put his sons’ interests above all else. He was always there for his sons in every way and spent the majority of his spare time with them creating special memories. Adventures included taking them on trips to their family home in Wisconsin, skiing or fishing with them in Colorado, teaching them photography, practicing lines for Dillon’s plays and seeing his performances, attending the Grammys in support of Zach, taking them to numerous high energy concerts or co-assembling 1000+ piece Lego creations. As a dear cousin noted, “He packed one hundred years into his sixty years of life”. He lived life fully and made his time here matter. Jerry courageously battled cancer for over seven years and fought hard up until the end yet still managed to be a bright light in everyone’s lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Nancy and Donald Steele Family Endowment at Miriam School and Learning Center or to a charity of your choice. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a later date with details to follow.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service