Former Cocoa High Teacher had a captivating teaching style and a zest for life
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Edmund “Ned” Steel III, beloved educator, husband, father, partner, Pappy and PopPop, passed away peacefully while under the care of St. Francis Hospice on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024, in Melbourne, Florida. Ned was 81 years old.
A lifelong educator who relished teaching others, Ned was born on April 10th, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to parents Edmund and Betty Steel.
His earliest memories were of playing with his younger brothers and ensuring his mother was kept on her toes. Ned loved to spend time outside, playing with the neighborhood children and finding new activities to keep his curious mind busy.
Ned met Barbara Ann Gruszka while working at Sun Oil in Ardmore, PA. The two married on April 24, 1965, and shortly after, moved to Cocoa Beach, Florida. Ned and Barbara enjoyed traveling and dancing together.
On May 1st, 1975, they welcomed their son, Edmund Steel IV, who joined in on their adventures. Barbara passed away on December 27th, 2000, after a courageous battle with cancer. They were married for 35 years.
In Ned’s own words, he had the “best job in the world.” After being laid off from the space center, Ned received a teaching scholarship to pursue his bachelor’s degree, initially planning to teach only for a few years before returning to the space center. All who knew him knew that his teaching story did not end there. Ned continued on to receive his master’s degree from the University of Central Florida. He taught a variety of science classes at Cocoa High School for 30 years.
An educator to the core, Ned had a captivating teaching style and a zest for life that was infectious. He had an immeasurable impact on thousands of individuals that came through his classroom doors. He had a unique way of making each student feel valued, empowered, and secure. On his last day teaching, he spent the entire day in tears, so thankful for the happenstance of his scholarship.
Shortly after retirement, Ned found his long-term partner, Sarah Strunk. Ned and Sarah spent the last 20+ years together, traveling, birding, walking the beach and enjoying life as grandparents. Sarah was a devoted caregiver to Ned over the last five years, as he battled the challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Ned is preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Betty Steel; wife, Barbara Steel; and brother, Van Steel. He is survived by his son, Ned Steel IV; brother, Richard (Ann) Steel; partner, Sarah Strunk; bonus daughters, Hilary (RJ) Cassel, Chelsea Johansen; and 5 beloved grandchildren, Christopher “Topher”, Angelica “Angel” and Jacob Steel, Dawson and Penelope Johansen.
A celebration of life will be hosted on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Space Coast Convention Center, 301 Tucker Lane, Cocoa, FL 32926. Visiting hours will begin at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ned’s Scholarship fund “Ned Steel Tiger Pride Scholarship” (Brevard Schools Foundation Donation Form 2023), the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge or the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.
“My bell is NEVER finna ring.” – Ned Steel
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The post OBITUARY: Edmund ‘Ned’ Steel III, 81, Passes Away March 13, Taught Science at Cocoa High School for 30 Years appeared first on Space Coast Daily.