COCHITUATE: James. W. Steele, Sr. 86, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 19, 2011 at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham.
He was born in the family residence in Cochituate on March 9, 1925 the son of the late Percy H. and Mary (Waring) Steele.
James was the beloved husband of Iwalani H (Kahaulelio) Steele of Cochituate. He was the devoted father of James. W. Steele Jr. and his wife Michele of Worcester. He was the loving grandfather of Megan Steele and Lauren Steele both of Worcester, James W. Steele, III of Attleboro and Danielle Steele of Tiverton, R.I. He was the brother of Hilda Buckley of Framingham formerly of Cochituate, Mary Woodford of Passadena, CA and Olivia Steele of Vineyard Haven. He was the father of the late Luana K. McNeil who died in July of 2006.
James spent his formative years in Cochituate and was a graduate of Downington Industrial and Agricultural School with the Class of 1943. He served his country proudly as a Private First Class with the United States Army during World War II. He had a 25 year career as a laborer with Simplex Wiring and Cable Company of Cambridge. Following his retirement, James was very active in the community with the Wayland Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, the South Middlesex Opportunity Council and the Council on Aging. He was devoted to the care of the senior community. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening at his home. He will be greatly missed by his family and all of the lives that he touched.
At the request of his family, private funeral services will be held at their convenience.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Cochituate Village, Wayland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James’ memory may be sent to the Wayland Senior Center, 41 Cochituate Rd, Wayland, MA 01778.
For on-line condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.