Ralph C. Steele

Ralph C. Steele, age 88 of Plymouth passed away on March 5, 2022. He was born on January 18, 1934 in Flint, Michigan to his Scotch-Irish parents, the late James and Violet Steele.

He is the beloved and devoted husband of Penelope (née Pell) Steele. They have been married 31 years. He is pre-deceased by his first wife, Betty Steele; loving father of three children – Phil (Donni) Steele, Rachel Steele and Cheryl Simmons; stepfather of Ken (Sandra) Wright and Tim Wright; proud grandfather of five and one great-grandchild.

Ralph earned a BS degree in engineering from the University of New Mexico. He was President of Steele Engineering until the merger of his company in 2000 with DiClemente Siegel Design of Southfield, Michigan and became Executive Vice President. During his career, he specialized in the heating, cooling, ventilating and air conditioning industry. He designed systems for large buildings. His clients included universities, governmental organizations, hospitals and private industry. He was a Life Member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to golf, go deer hunting and fish. Travel was Ralph’s passion – both in the United States and abroad.

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 5:00 P.M. until the 7:00 P.M Rosary service.

Visitation will continue on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 9:30 A.M. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 47650 North Territorial Road, Plymouth until the time of the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00 A.M.

All Visitors are requested to wear face masks for the visitation at the Funeral Home.

Ralph will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Plymouth.

For those who are unable to attend, the funeral mass will be live streamed.



Those who wish to honor the memory of Ralph C. Steele are invited to consider a contribution to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207.

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.