Frank A. Steele, a lifelong resident of Farrell, passed away peacefully Friday evening, November 30, 2018, in UPMC Jameson Hospital, New Castle. He was 91.

Mr. Steele was born February 19, 1927, in Farrell, a son of the late Anthony "Buddy" and Tomasina (Meli) Steele. He graduated from Farrell High School in 1945 and was drafted into the U.S. Army.

A proud veteran, Frank served in the European Theatre of Operation during WWII.

Following his honorable discharge, he enrolled at Grove City College, later graduating in 1951 with a bachelor's of science degree in biology.

As a young man, Frank worked as a substitute teacher at Farrell High School during the day, and at the former Sharon Transformer Div. of Westinghouse Electric Corp. in the evenings.

He then owned and operated the former Castle Beer Distributing Co., New Castle, for more than 40 years.

Frank was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell.

Active in his respective communities, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 512, the New Castle Business Administration and Ducks Unlimited, all of New Castle; the Sons of Italy and American Legion, Post 299, both of Sharon; the V.F.W, Post 5286, Farrell; and the Shenango Valley Wolves Club.

An avid outdoorsman, Frank loved hunting and fishing.

Affectionately known by many as "Uncle," he was a devout family man whom particularly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

His beloved wife, the former Olinda V. "Ollie" Gianni (Johns), whom he married August 31, 1949, passed away January 9, 2004.

Frank is survived by a daughter, Gina M. (Joseph) Alberico, Seffner, FL; a son, Anthony J. Steele, Sharon; three grandchildren, Joyan (Steve) Urda, Hermitage, Natalie (Nathan) Wheeler, Kentucky, and Nicole Steele, Pittsburgh, PA; three great grandchildren, Ava and Matthew Urda and Trinity Wheeler; and three step great grandchildren, Adriana, Jeremy and Zachary Wheeler.

In addition to his wife and parents, Frank was preceded in death by three sisters, Rose Davis, Jacquelin Pagliaroli and Josephine Marmo; and two brothers, Philip and Joseph LaRusse.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Fatima Church, 601 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, PA 16121.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (12-4-18) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday (12-5-18) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, with Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, pastor, as celebrant.

Full military honors will be rendered by the Farrell V.F.W., Wheatland A.L. and West Middlesex V.F.W. Honor Guard.

Interment: St. Anthony Cemetery, Hermitage.