Obituary of George Steel

GEORGE STEEL , the BIG MAN (Harpers Pub) has departed us to reunite with his beloved wife Catherine (Gigi). The old expression, "They broke the mold on this one", comes to mind with all who were fortunate to have known him. The big ginger headed lad was born Feb.1,1933 on Royal St., Gourock , Scotland. George was an average looking chap who did not take NO for an answer and won over his beauty queen with charisma , charm and a sense of humor. It was after an awkward introduction at Cragburn Dance Hall that George met his lovely bride...if you asked Catherine what made her fall in love with George, her answer was always simple "He made me laugh". George and Catherine wed on April 24th, 1954. That fall the young newlyweds, she 19 and he 21, boarded the Queen Elizabeth, leaving their homes and families in hopes of a better life. They "took root" in Wayne (NJ) and together worked towards building their American Dream. The Boyle and Simpson clans soon followed, making their way to "the land of opportunity where "Big Man" always said "The streets are filled with gold".Love and laughter filled their house for many years with the blessings of 4 children, 8 grandchildren , 7 great grand children as well as countless family and friends who shared in the continuous singing , dancing , parties, the occasional GTF, and celebration of love , life and family. Their door was always open, and there was never a need to knock. In his younger years, George was a butcher by trade , he was a great cook and operated Harper's Pub in Parsippany retiring in 2003. He enjoyed coaching his many teams at the Haledon Soccer Club and attending Cosmos soccer games. As he settled into his later years "BIG MAN" loved to grab a pint of Smithwicks and sing along to his favorite songs with his grand daughter Caitlyn. As he grew tired in his final 6 yrs. after Gigi's passing , his older daughter Kate and her amazing effort made the "BIG MANS" final yrs. worth living. His spirit will live on through the Steel strength he embedded in his children and grand children and through the many lives he touched. Predeceased by wife Catherine , daughter Christina , parents Andrew and Emily , brothers Bill , Jack and Drew , sisters Greta and Christine he leaves behind his children Kathleen Mannherz , Andrew Steel & John Steel , grandchildren Brian , Justin , Trevor , Deirdre , Madeline and Shannon Steel , Caitlyn and David Mannherz , his sisters Mamie , Amie and Joan and great grandchildren Jack , Lucy , Gigi , George , Harper , Ellington and Beau Steel. Friends and family will gather Jan. 14th , 2pm at the Keri Memorial Home , 125 Main St. , Lincoln Park for a memorial visitation service.