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Obituary for STEELE


Published in the Albuquerque Journal on Sunday March 23, 2014

STEELE, MEL Age 93, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2014. Resident of Albuquerque, NM. He was born in Oakland, CA on October 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 WWII. 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, CA. In his 20 years before retirement, he owned Mel's Liquors in San Leandro, CA. He retired to New Mexico 25 years ago and enjoyed playing golf, bridge and mahjong. Mel is survived by three children: daughter, Linda (Tony) Fernandez of Albuquerque; son Jim Steele of Oakland, CA; and daughter Joan (Bill) Bettencourt of Moraga, CA. 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, CA, and Marisa Bettencourt of Hollywood, CA. He is also survived by his six great-grandchildren. No services will be held. Inurnment at Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, CA.


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