Alfred Douglas Steele Jr. was born on December 19, 1948 in Jacksonville, Florida to proud parents Alveria Steele and Alfred Douglas Steele, Sr. He entered into eternal rest on December 28, 2013. Alfred, along with his family, moved to NYC in 1952. He began his professional career as a Sanitation Assistant in the laundry department of Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City in 1980. Within a decade, Alfred's conscientious and reliable work ethic was rewarded by Mt. Sinai's Administration with a promotion to the position of Supervisor of the hospital's Laundry Plant location in the Bronx, NY. While employed at Mt. Sinai, Alfred met the love of his life, fellow employee and Guggenheim Pavilion Unit Clerk, Edith C. Brown. With Alfred's "wind beneath her wings", Edith would rise to become Vice President of the 1199 Hospitals and Healthcare Worker's Union-- the largest healthcare union in the world. During their 28- year life partnership, Alfred would help Edith rear and mold the lives of their two daughters, Carla Regina and Rita Corlette Brown, as well as their then infant granddaughter, Tianni Davis. As a truly hands-on and involved parent, Alfred placed heavy emphasis, through his words and example, on the importance of education and a strong work ethic for the three. With Alfred's quiet strength, constant encouragement, and financial support, Rita went on to earn Double Master's Degrees in Education as well as a Ph.D in Psychology from Columbia University. His granddaughter, Tianni Monique, made him proud by going on to earn her Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Art from the City University of New York. A true nurturer and the consummate "family man", Alfred focused his life upon his entire family, taking care of his cherished mother, Alveria, for nearly 20 years. His daughters recount: "There wasn't a day that he wouldn't visit, shop, cook, and care for his beloved "Ma Vera". His commitment and devotion to her was undying!" The same would go for his baby brother Leonard who he so admired and would call almost every morning to just "shoot the breeze" or check in on his adored nephew Sam and sister-in-law Tammy. Alfred shared a close bond with his son-in-law Tyrone Holloway, whom he affectionately called "Big Dog" and with whom he frequently shared advice, humor, and debate. He was especially fond of his nephew and niece-in-law, Mark and Donna Davis whom he frequently advised and assisted with various tasks. Alfred shared an especially close relationship with his eldest daughter Carla who, along with Tianni, cared tirelessly for him as his health declined. His youngest daughter, Rita Corlette, was his confidante, sounding board, and cherished friend--and he hers. Alfred was an especially loving and giving grandfather to his three grandchildren, Tianni Monique, Tyler Madison, and Tyrone Rodney, Jr. "Their every wish was grandpa's command!" was the name of the game. From trips around the world for his eldest grand Tianni, to helping to fund both dance tuition and studio recording sessions for his Little Ella (Tyler Madison), and providing the best in technology to further each of their educations, Alfred provided the "best of the best" for his grandchildren--and all without ever having to be asked. They loved, cherished, and appreciated his kind, unselfish spirit and unsolicited generosity most deeply. Alfred filled his own life with culture and learning as well. He lived well and traveled far to exotic lands including Spain, various countries in the Middle East, and Morocco--which was his favorite. A true connoisseur of fine foods and dining, Alfred loved to cook gourmet dishes and experiment with new recipes. In 2005, he took an interest in learning Korean, sparked by his friendship with the Korean cleaner in the neighborhood. He could speak Korean conversationally by 2009. He was a proud member of NYC's Korean Society. Alfred's greatest measure of strength, character, and courage, however, would come with his early retirement from Mt. Sinai Hospital in order to fully care for Edith, who would fall ill in 2002.Alfred continued to care for the love of his life tirelessly and without apprehension, question, or regret until he was called home and given his angel wings. He leaves to mourn his life partner of 28 years, Edith C. Brown; his mother. Alveria Santiago; his brother, Leonard Steele, a sister-in-law, Tammy Steele; a nephew, Samuel Steele; two daughters, Carla Brown and Rita Brown-Holloway; one son-in-law, Tyrone Holloway, Sr.; three grandchildren, Tianni Davis and Tyler and Tyrone Holloway; as well as three cousins, Linster Haines, Leila Floyd and Ivy Floyd. He is predeceased by his father, Alfred D. Steele, Sr. and two brothers, Clarence Steele and Leebertis "Gandy" Steele.