Gary R. Steele

Gary R. Steele of East Branch, NY, a retired beautician and a lifelong Delaware County resident, died Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the Roscoe Regional Rehab and Residential Health Care Facility in Roscoe, NY. He was 77.

The son of the late Reginald and Helen Conklin Steele, he was born February 28. 1948 in Hancock, NY.

Gary was always a farmer at heart. He farmed the Steele Homestead until 1972 upon the closing of the Walton Creamery. He later graduated from the Edwards Beauty School in 1972 and opened a beauty shop in Downsville, NY where he worked for the next 33 years. On March 31, 2005 he retired due to health issues. Gary was a piano player and singer all of his life. He played and sang with the Northern Lights Gospel Group for 20 years. He played and sang regularly at the East Branch Community Church, where he attended.

Survivors include his wife Jill Hathaway Steele, whom he married in 1969, at home; a son, Michael Steele and his wife Lorie of Horton Brook, NY; a daughter, Jennifer Tompkins of Somers Point, NJ; five grandchildren, Josiah, Seth, Noah, Aaron and Faith; and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his mother, Helen in 2007 and by his father, Reginald in 2012.

Visitation will be Friday, December 26, 2025 from 4-7 PM in the Harris Funeral Home Railroad Ave., Roscoe, NY.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 11 AM in the East Branch Community Church, East Branch, NY. The Rev. Paul Cicio, Pastor Yancey Brown and Pastor Michael Houck will officiate.

Burial will be in the Horton Cemetery, Horton, NY, in the spring.

Memorial contributions in Gary's name may be made to "Feed the Children" C/O East Branch Community Church, Church Street, East Branch, NY 13756.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home Railroad Ave., Roscoe, NY. 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200 or www. Harris-FH.com