Eric Steele

Eric R. Steele
A real life super-hero

WATERBURY — Eric R. Steele, 30, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.

Eric was born on Nov. 23, 1983, in Bristol, a son of Christine Rutigliano and a grandson of Frank and Ann Rutigliano. In addition to his mother and grandparents, Eric is survived by his brother, Christopher Steele; his uncles, Jack Rutigliano, Hans Hartman and Thomas Fruin, and his aunt, Linda Fruin. He will also be greatly missed by his cousins, Erica, Adam, Matt, Noah and Tyler, as well as good friends Darcy and Tim and his dog Matty.

Eric was a graduate of Crosby High School and previously worked at Walsh's IGA. Eric was an avid collector of comic books, Legos, super-hero memorabilia and was a "Spider-man Enthusiast." To those who knew and loved him, he was a real life super-hero! He loved his grandma's cooking, especially her "peas and meatballs."

Eric's family would like to thank Dr. Alvarez, his primary care physician, as well as all the doctors and nursing teams at Yale-New Haven and Smilow hospitals, Massachusetts General Hospital, Saint Mary's Hospital, DaVita Dialysis and the VNA involved with providing outstanding care and support during Eric's lifetime.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at 10 a.m. at the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 26 Waterbury Road, Rte. 69, Prospect. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Eric Steele Research Fund" at MGH, 55 Fruit St., GRB 1008, Boston, MA 02114. These funds will be used to further the research and treatment for calciphylaxis.