Earle, known as Ray, was the son of Rev. Earle Raymond Steeves and Elizabeth Vosmus Steeves of North Pownal, Maine. He played college football and graduated from the University of Massachusetts- Amherst. He married Janet Milner in 1944, and began a lifelong career as a dairy farmer and raised a family of five children. He owned and managed Maringoman Farm in Washingtonville.
His love of family and of the land was paramount. He is survived by his sons Earle Raymond Steeves III and his wife Lois, James Steeves and his wife Janice, William Steeves, and his daughter Sharen Casazza and her husband James. His eight grandchildren are blessed by his wisdom and love, James Casazza, Margaret Casazza Sidor, David Casazza, Daniel Steeves, Matthew Steeves, Caitlin Steeves, Elizabeth Steeves and Nally Steeves. Eight great grandchildren filled his later years with joy and laughter, Edylene and Everett Goodglass, Elizabeth Ray Steeves, Brayden, Dylan and Avery Steeves and Myles Ray Casazza and Henry Casazza. He was predeceased by his oldest son, David Steeves.
Ray’s life was full of service to family and community. He helped create the Blooming Grove Ambulance Corps in 1959 and served on the Board of Directors. He helped establish the Washingtonville Little League and served as an umpire. He was active as a leader in the Boy Scouts, the 4-H, the Country Store Thrift Shop and the Farm Bureau. He served as Chairman of the Blooming Grove Republican Party and as Blooming Grove Town Supervisor. He was Deacon, Trustee and Clerk of the Blooming Grove United Church of Christ for over fifty years. He delivered Meals on Wheels and was always first to lend a helping hand. Many in the village met him in his thirty four year role as Village Justice, more than a few received fines and penalties but many also received forgiveness and a second chance.
Visitation will be Friday, August 24, 2018 from 2-6pm at Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville, NY. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 11 am at the Blooming Grove United Church of Christ, 2 Old Dominion Rd., Blooming Grove, NY. Memorial donations in Ray’s name may be sent to Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202.
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