Melburn L. Steele

On February 24, 2026, Melburn L. Steele closed his eyes here on Earth and woke up in the arms of his Lord and Savior. He was 92 years old.

He was born on April 10, 1933, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, son of the late L. Paul and Edna Virginia (Counts) Steele. Mel graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1951 and joined the United States Air Force shortly thereafter. He obtained the rank of Staff Sargent aircraft mechanic. After his honorable discharge in 1959, he moved his family from Dover, Delaware to Erie, Pennsylvania. Mel worked as a machinist until 1973 when he began a career in engineering. He retired in 2012, after a successful career designing parts for numerous military projects including the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber at Northrop Grumman, B-1 Bomber for Boeing Company, MX missile for the U.S. Air Force and the Space Shuttle for NASA plus numerous other military and aeronautical classified projects.

In his leisure time, Mel loved to golf, fish and was an avid hunter. He also loved traveling the U.S. with his beloved wife, Lorraine.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Lorraine (Curry) Steele and daughter, Sandra Steele Schnars.

He leaves behind to cherish him in memory, his children, Katherine (Stephen) Zappacosta of Evans, GA, Kenneth (Linda) Steele of Erie, Constance (Craig) Lydic of Bonita Springs, FL and Deborah (Ray) Ott also of Erie and sisters, Amy Brown, Glenna Godfrey and Annetta Steele. He is survived by 17 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and his beloved cat, Snowflake.

Friends may call at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 W 10th Street, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Full Military Honors will be presented just prior to time of service at 4:00 pm officiated by Pastor Josh Scherrer. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggest memorial contributions to Tunnel To Towers or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.