Robert G Steele

Dr. Robert G. Steele, 84, of Sarasota died Feb. 23, 2011. He was born in Rochester, N.Y. to George R. and Jane Gilmore Steele. They lived in Brockport, N.Y. Upon graduating from high school in 1944, Bob joined the United States Army Air Force and served until 1946. He then received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. in 1949 and his medical degree from Albany Medical College, Albany, N.Y. in 1953. After interning at St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla., Bob went to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. for his residency in Psychiatry.

In 1958 he came to Sarasota to join Dr. Samuel Warson later opening his own office where he practiced until his retirement. Dr. Steele served as an elected official on Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Board from 1967 to 1972 ,was instrumental in establishing Palms Hospital, a private psychiatric facility (now Bayside Behavioral Center) and was it's medical director, was a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners, served as president of the Florida Psychiatric Society of which he was a life member as well as a life member of the American Psychiatric Association. Bob was also a member of the Sarasota County Medical Association, sat on the board of the Florida West Coast Symphony, was a member of the Field Club for 36 years, a charter member and elder at the Church of the Palms and a member of Siesta Key Chapel for over 32 years. he loved to play tennis, golf and croquet, winning numerous trophies, play the piano and fly his airplane. After his retirement he became a volunteer tutor for 3rd graders, his favorite group, at Emma E. Booker Elementary School winning the Outstanding Senior Volunteer award for 2007-2008.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Janet; two sons, Richard and Thomas; two daughters, Nancy Adams and Aimee Tomko; two stepsons, Peter Sloan and Paul Sloan; a stepdaughter, Barbara Ward; 11 grandchildren, and his first wife, Carol.

Memorial Service will be held at Siesta Key Chapel at a later date in March, with burial at the National Cemetery on State Road 72.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to TideWell Hospice, Inc. 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota 34238. Thank you to the caring, kind and considerate staff at TideWell.

Arrangements under the direction of National Cremation & Burial Society, Sarasota, FL.