MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR JOSEPH J. STEELE
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that the members of this Chamber learned of the departure of Mr. Joseph J. Steele on August 25, 2017; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Anthony A. Beale, Alderman of the 9th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Joseph J. Steele was born to the union of the late Jack and Hattie Steele in Gerdo, Alabama, on November 11, 1930; and
WHEREAS, Joseph graduated from Industrial High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he played football and was a member of the choir; and
WHEREAS, Joseph was married to his loving wife, Nina Foster, on June 23, 1952. The couple was blessed with one son, Anthony Steele; and
WHEREAS, Joseph was a dedicated serviceman, serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne, where he reached the rank of master sergeant. After returning from Korea, Joseph was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas and Fort Sheridan, Illinois. While at Fort Sheridan, he composed a poem entitled, "The Life of a Soldier," eventually winning third place in a writing competition and a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, He went on to attend the Midwestern Broadcasting School. After completing his education, Joseph provided many years of service for the department of Illinois Veteran Affairs until his retirement in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Joseph was an active member of his community, he was a lifetime member and the first African American commander of the 5th District of the American Legion, he also served a commander and adjutant for Crispus Attucks #1268, and was a lifelong member of Amvets. Joseph and his wife, Nina, also founded the Tuscaloosa, Alabama Reunion Club over fifty-two years ago; and
WHEREAS, Joseph enjoyed many hobbies, including writing poetry, sharing music with his loved ones, listening to jazz and playing bid whist; and
WHEREAS, Joseph confessed his faith in God at an early age and was a faithful member of Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church where he was an avid member of the church choir; and
WHEREAS, Joseph leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Nina; son, Anthony; nieces, Linda (Jeff), Ethel, La Cheryl, and Roberta; nephews, Sam (Elena), Harold Wayne, Robert, and Larry; sister-in-law, Sue; brother-in-law, Henry (Ruth); and a host of loving nephews, godchildren, family, and friends. His devoted Goddaughter, Angela, cared for Joseph throughout his illness; and
WHEREAS, Joseph touched the lives of all who knew him through his love and caring spirit. He will be deeply missed, but the memory of his character will live on in those who knew and loved him; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this eleventh day of October, 2017, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Joseph J. Steele; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to the family of Mr. Joseph J. Steele as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.
ANTHONY A. BEALE Alderman, 9th Ward
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