Mel Steele
Oct. 22, 1920 - Mar. 14, 2014
Formerly of Oakland

Mel Steele, 93, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2014. Resident of Albuquerque, NM. He was born in Oakland, CA on Oct. 22, 1920, son of Will A. and Mary L. Steele. He graduated from Oakland High School and received his A.A. degree from City College of San Francisco.

He served in the Merchant Marines during WW II. In his early years he worked in route sales for Coca Cola and then entered the automotive business in sales and leasing, and as General Manager of Hoff Chevrolet and Cadillac in Martinez. In his 20 years before retirement, he owned Mel's Liquors in San Leandro. He retired to New Mexico 25 years ago and enjoyed playing golf, bridge, and mahjong.

Mel is survived by his three children: daughter Linda (Tony) Fernandez of Albuquerque; son Jim Steele of Oakland; and daughter Joan (Bill) Bettencourt of Moraga. His six grandchildren knew him lovingly as Boompa. They are Anthony (Jane) Fernandez, Tyla (Ralph) Armstrong, and Leah (Eric) Johnson of Albuquerque, Grant Bettencourt of Orange, CA, Gavin Bettencourt of Walnut Creek and Marisa Bettencourt of Hollywood, CA. He is also survived by six great grandchildren. No services will be held. Inurnment at Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, CA.