×

William Jay Steele

William Jay Steele

William Jay Steele, 90 of Castanea, Pa. passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019.

He was born in Kane, Pa. on Nov. 1, 1928, the son of the late Frank and Sadie Bruner Steele. He married the former Mildred Harnish on May 28, 1955 at St. Petersburg, Pa., and celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year.

He graduated from Emlenton High School in 1948 and enlisted in the Navy, serving during the Korean War from 1948 until being honorably discharged in 1952. While in the Navy he attended the Naval Air Technical Training Center at Memphis, Tenn. completing Aviation Structural Mechanic School, Class A and held the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.

Upon his discharge, he worked at the Quaker State Oil Refinery in Emlenton, Pa. He then moved to Lock Haven where he worked at Piper Aircraft Corporation from June 1956 until its closing in 1984 working in numerous departments. He then worked at Valley Sheet Metal in Mill Hall, prior to retiring in October 1993.

He was Methodist by faith and a life member of the Hope Hose Fire Company #2 which he joined in 1962. He was very active in the fire company and could often be seen atop the ladder truck installing flags, banners and Christmas decorations in both Lock Haven and Castanea. He was also a member of the Central District Volunteer Fireman’s Association as well as the Fireman’s Relief Association where he served as a past president.

He was a skilled carpenter and built the home where he and his wife resided for over 50 years. His other interests were hunting and woodworking.

William is survived by his wife, Mildred; a daughter, Susan Marie Betta (Aldo II) of Coraopolis, Pa.; and his grandchildren, Gianna Marie Betta and Aldo William Betta III.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Steele and a nephew, Jeffrey Steele of Port Charlotte, Fla.

A private service for William Jay Steele will be held in the Yost-Gedon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven at the convenience of the family.

Interment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, in Bridgeville, Pa..

Online thoughts and memories can be made at www.yost-gedonfuneralhome.com.