Alvin P. 'Al' Steele

SCHENECTADY – Alvin ‘Al’ Steele, passed away peacefully at AMCH, with his loving family at his side on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, after 82 blessed years on this earth. Al was born in Schenectady, the son of the late Alvin and Frances Palombo Steele.
Al was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, where he excelled in baseball, earning recognition as one of the best pitchers to come out of Schenectady. As a young boy, he played Babe Ruth baseball, showcasing his talent and passion for the game. Baseball remained a lifelong passion, whether playing, coaching Babe Ruth teams, cheering on his New York Yankees and being a proud member of the Olde Timers Baseball Club. Al honorably served in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict. After his service, he joined the family business, the Woodlawn Inn, where he developed a love for cooking, under the guidance of his mother. He later went on to own and operate the Grapevine Wine & Liquor in Sheridan Plaza, where his extensive knowledge of spirits and his warm smile was a welcoming to all. Al loved to travel, whether it was as a devoted fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, fulfilling a dream of attending a game at Notre Dame Stadium; another cherished experience was visiting Augusta for the Masters; visiting Lake Tahoe, where his family had a vacation home, and he especially loved traveling to Lake Placid, where he shared countless memories with his beloved Josephine.
Above all, family was the center of his heart and the most important part of his life. His greatest joy was being the biggest supporter and proudest fan of Nicholas, Brendan and Luca’s baseball and basketball games, concerts and school events, always cheering them on with unwavering pride and love.
As special thank you to his cousin Tom Palombo, who was a guiding light and great help during Al’s illness.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved and inseparable companion, Josephine Pedone, and her son Angelo Pedone, Jr.
Al is survived by his family, whom he mentored spiritually and guided them through life, offering love, wisdom, support and a fatherly presence; Vincent (Nicole) Pedone, Marylou Pedone (Joe Roy Jackson), Joanne Ferrara, and Rosanne (Dennis) Carringi; he was Papa Al to many, especially Nicholas, Brendan and Luca Pedone; he is also survived by many cousins and dear friends.
Services will be held on Tuesday, February 11th at 10 am at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, 501 Union Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Paul the Apostle Church. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home on Monday from 4 to 7 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made in Al’s memory to the Leukemia and lymphoma Society at www.lls.org