Robert Steele ... former interim Rochester city manager; at 84

DOVER - Robert (Bob) Douglas Steele, 84, of Dover died on Oct. 6 at Watson Fields Assisted Living in Dover after a period of failing health. Bob was also known as "Papou" to his close family and friends.

He was born on March 31, 1940, in Portland, Maine, to Douglas and Althea (Scribner) Steele.

Bob graduated from Deering High School in Portland in 1958 where he played football and was a member of the track team. He remained a proud alumnus of Deering High School throughout his life. In 1963 he graduated from the University of Maine in Orono with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration.

Bob met the love of his life, Roberta (Robbie) McCann, while attending Deering High School. The two were married on Sept. 1, 1962. They enjoyed a rich and happy journey together surrounded by a loving family, travels, and many adventures for 62 years.

Bob began his professional career in municipal management when he was hired by the town of Rockport, Maine, in 1963 as the Town Manager while still a student at the University of Maine. In 1965 he accepted the position of Town Manager in Scarborough, Maine, until 1978. During that time he also served on the Scarborough sanitary district and was also appointed by the Governor to serve as an adviser to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

In 1978, Bob moved to Dover and served as City Manager until 1985. While city manager, he was on the Board of Trustees for Wentworth Douglas Hospital and also appointed by the Governor to serve on the State of New Hampshire Public Employees Labor Relations Board. In 1983, he was the recipient of the Public Administrator of the year Award presented by the NH American Society for Public Administration.

Bob made a career change in 1985 when he began working for Waste Management Incorporated. He proudly wore the moniker of "Garbage Man" for the rest of his life. He began as a General Manager for the Londonderry Division and became the president for the Northern New England Division. He was dedicated and proud of his work developing Turnkey Recycling and Environmental enterprises in Rochester. He retired from Waste Management Incorporated in 1998 and continued working as a Consultant in community relations and governmental affairs.

Never one to sit still, Bob attended the Culinary Institute of America at McIntosh College to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts from 1999 to 2001. He was happy to volunteer his chef skills at many church events, Elk gatherings, and pamper his family with gourmet delights. While exploring his pursuit of culinary excellence, he returned to municipal management to serve as the interim City Manager of Rochester on three occasions. Bob had a special place in his heart for the City of Rochester.

Bob and Robbie spent summers on Long Island, Maine, where they entertained friends and family at their home by the sea called "Comfort Cottage." Many days were spent with the Barter's and McAleney's relaxing on the beach, hosting porch parties, Bob making his famous clam fritters ,and everyone singing and dancing. "The Island" will remain a treasure of memories for all.

Bob was a proud Free Mason, having memberships in both the Scottish and York Rites. He was also a member of the Kora Temple Shrine. He began his journey in Free Masonry in 1955 as a member of Demolay in Portland and continued his commitment throughout his life. Brother Steele had more than 60 years as a Master Mason and was recognized for his accomplishments at a recent Veterans Program. Bob was instrumental in the merger of Strafford Lodge and Moses Paul Lodge to become Federal Lodge No. 5. He was also was affiliated with St. Paul's Lodge No. 82 in Rockport.

Bob's commitment to community service was unparalleled. He volunteered for numerous civic organizations and served on the board of directors for numerous organizations to include Frisbie Memorial Hospital, The Greater Seacoast United Way, The Salvation Army, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, The Housing Partnership of Portsmouth, Southeast Bank for Savings, and Federal Savings Bank. He was a member and past Exulted Ruler of the Rochester Elks #1393, and also a member of the Dover Moose Lodge 443. He served on the Vestry and was a communicant of St Thomas Episcopal Church in Dover.

Bob had boundless interests and passions. He and Robbie traveled extensively and enjoyed many adventures. He was especially proud of his collection of "relics and curiosa" which started in high school and could spend hours detailing specifics of antique weapons and firearms he had acquired. He was a skilled carver and made all of his own decoys for duck hunting as well as a talented ice carver donating his talents to numerous events. He was also a licensed private pilot, avid gardener, genealogist, and land surveyor.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Douglas and Althea (Scribner) Steele, and his brother David Steele. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Roberta (McCann) Steele, two sons; Douglas and his wife Gwen (Butler) Steele of Dover, John and his wife Charlene (Lewis) Steele of Madbury and grandchildren; George and Keshet (Kotek) Steele of Dover, Abigail (Steele) and Robert Rosselli of Lebanon Maine, Gabrielle Steele and August Umholtz of Dover and Alexa Steele of Madbury, a niece, nephew and an army of extended family, friends and loved ones that touched his life.