Richard Hannegan Steele

Richard Hannegan Steele passed away Wednesday, the 26th of March after suffering from a stroke a week earlier. He was surrounded by his children as he took his last breath and left this world.

He was born March 12, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to John Hermon Steele and Mary Hannegan Steele. He was the youngest of five children: Patricia Culverwell, Michael Steele, Margaret Wheelwright, and Diane Austin, his twin sister (born 23 minutes before him). He is survived by his wife, Patty (Patty Cake) and his five children: Joshua, Tucker, Jacob, Isaac, and Meagan. In all, he had 21 grandchildren, and they all loved their grandpa dearly.

He was raised in Holladay, Utah, where he attended Olympus High School and graduated in 1966. He ran track and got third in the mile in State, was on the basketball team, and was a cheerleader. After high school, he served an LDS mission in the New England states, including Nova Scotia. During this time, he developed a love for all things New England, especially the Red Sox and the New England Patriots.

After returning from his mission, he attended the University of Utah and earned his Bachelor of Science degree and went to the University of Louisville Dental School where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). After college, he joined the Navy as an officer and served for two years and then joined the Air Force. Throughout his career in the Armed Forces, he and our family had the opportunity to live in many places, including Japan and Korea. He served 24 years in the Air Force, earning the rank of Colonel, which is something he worked incredibly hard for and was well-deserved. Concerning his service, Dad said, “The greatest privilege of my life was taking care of all branches of the military: Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines.” After his retirement, he worked for Monarch Dental until he officially retired in 2018.

He married Patty Wilson in 2007 and they lived a wonderful life together until his passing. Their marriage was full of love, laughing, teasing, Hallmark movie watching, and going to all the grandkids’ things…and there’s a lot! He said, “And I have been blessed with marrying the love of my life, Patricia Jo Steele.” Their love for each other was unmatched and a joy to watch.

Although busy being the Base Dental Surgeon and working so hard and being in charge of so many people, he always made time for his kids. Rarely was there a game or a recital where we would look over and he wasn’t there cheering us on with his big yells and even bigger claps. His laugh was unmistakable. When you got him going, his eyes would close and he could barely breathe because he was laughing so hard. It was the absolute best. He always said, “I love you” even when we messed up, and we messed up all the time. As we got older and came to his house, he greeted us with a big hug and when we left, a heartfelt, “I love you.”

He lived an accomplished, full life. He worked hard for everything he had and was never handed anything. He was such a kind man and to this day, his patients still say how much they love Dr. Steele. He was kind, loving, supportive, open-minded, and we will miss him so much. He will forever be “The Colonel.”

A memorial service will be held in his honor on Tuesday, April 8th, from 10AM-12Noon at Starks Funeral Parlor at 3651 South 900 E, Salt Lake City, 84106. This will be an open house and please come in casual dress and if you have a red, white, or blue hoodie, feel free to wear that.

His graveside service will be held after the memorial Utah Veteran Memorial Park at 7111 1700 W, Bluffdale. Any and all are welcome to attend.