Ralph Steele, Jr. of Arnold, MD passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 2nd at age 65. Born on August 28th, 1961 to the late Ralph C. Steele and Patrica H. (Henry) Steele, he was a lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He graduated from Arundel High School in 1979 and was a 1984 graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

Ralph developed a love of boating and fishing, starting with childhood trips spent with family out of Ocean City, MD. That passion carried him through a career built around the marine industry culminating in 28 years of service with Imtra Corp., New Bedford, MA, where he developed many friends and relationships up and down the East Coast. He was known for his attention to detail and taking care of his many boat building and boat-yard customers.

Personally, Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing and boat projects throughout his life and held many fond memories of time spent on and around the water. From early days at Paul’s Tackle Shop in Ocean City, then captaining a charter boat in his younger years, to operating his own boat later in life, he accrued a vast amount of sportfishing and boating knowledge which he took pride in. He was an avid reader and liked linking history to the areas and people he encountered through his travels. Ralph also enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes to bring to family gatherings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Patricia Steele. He is survived by a sister, Melinda McCabe (Kevin), of Frankford, DE and a brother, Brian Steele (Sue), of Centreville, MD. In addition, he leaves behind three nephews and a niece, Will McCabe, Nate McCabe, Andrew Steele, and Emily Steele. He will be greatly missed.

A private memorial gathering will be scheduled at a later date.