Raymond V. Steele, 88, of Worcester, died Tuesday, May 8th in St. Vincent Hospital. His wife of 39 years, Anne T. (King) Steele died in 1997. He is survived by his son, Brian P. Steele and his wife, Maura of Rochdale; two daughters, Cheryl M. McGrath and her husband, William of Worcester and Cathy Ann Meehan and her husband, Daniel of Fairhaven; seven grandchildren, George and Jaclyn Simone, Timothy, Brian and Stephanie McGrath and Madison and Jack Steele and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by two brothers, Paul and Jack Steele and his sister, Shirley Perry.

He was born in Worcester, the son of Oscar and Mary T. (Quinlan) Steele; and was an Army Veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Steele had proudly served the Worcester Fire Department for many years before retiring. He was a member of Christ the King Parish, its bowling league and had served as a Eucharistic Minister; he also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Worcester Lodge of Elks, Tatnuck Post 288 and the Greendale Retired Men’s. Raymond had been an outstanding baseball player in his youth and later coached in the Jesse Burkett League and for Westside Babe Ruth League. He had also served as treasurer of the Worcester Fireman’s Relief Fund. His pastimes included traveling with his wife, time spent at the beach, bowling, golf; his greatest joy was time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

His funeral is Monday, May 14th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with his funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park. Calling hours are Sunday, May 13th from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Worcester Fireman’s Relief Fund, 141 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or Box 4 Canteen, c/o WFDCU, 34 Glennie Street, Worcester, MA 01606.