SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University Athletics Department and The Rock football program mourn the death of longtime football equipment manager and Slippery Rock supporter Ron Steele, who passed away Saturday at the age of 84.
 
Steele was a pillar of the Slippery Rock community throughout his life, dedicating himself to public service through stints as a borough police officer, the chief of the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department and the mayor of Slippery Rock. He remained an active member of the Slippery Rock local government, serving on the Borough Council until his passing.
 
While Steele's impact to the Slippery Rock community was nothing short of remarkable, his presence on campus was just as strong. He served as a police officer for seven years before taking over as the director of campus safety, a position he held until he retired from the University in 2001.
 
That's when he found his second career.
 
Former Slippery Rock head football coach George Mihalik had built a close relationship with Steele while helping to develop the safety management program at SRU.
 
"I watched George play quarterback here at Old Thompson Field," said Steele in a 2019 profile in the Butler Eagle. "When he stayed on at the University and began the safety management program, we saw a lot of each other and became friends."
 
That friendship would give Steele a chance to keep making a significant impact on Slippery Rock students for another two decades after he retired as safety manager.
 
Steele joined the football staff as the equipment manager in 2001 after realizing that former offensive coordinator Vic Campagna was being pulled away from his coaching duties to handle a lot of the equipment issues. He saw a chance to help out and took it, setting up shop in what he affectionately called "his office" in the equipment room behind the SRU football locker room. From there, he organized every player's uniform, shoulder pads, helmets and more for 21 years. He mentored the student intern staff, organized equipment for practices and game days and became a positive role model for the young men on the SRU football team.
 
"Papa Steele is what a lot of the guys called him," said head coach Shawn Lutz. "He was the man that organized everything for us. If you had a problem with your equipment or you needed anything, you went to see Ron. He was an invaluable part of our program and his impact on our guys was so meaningful. Even after he retired, he was still coming to practices and games and making connections with our guys. We are so grateful for his impact on our team and we will miss him dearly."
 
Steele retired from his second SRU career in 2022, stepping down after more than 20 years as the football equipment manager. During his tenure, he helped guide The Rock football program to seven PSAC West titles and six appearances in the NCAA Division II national playoffs.
 
A 1957 graduate of Slippery Rock High School, Steele spent his entire life in the Slippery Rock community, sharing his love for the town and the University with anyone who was willing to listen.
 
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 26, 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, June 27, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle Street, Slippery Rock, PA. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, June 28 at 11 a.m. at Center Presbyterian Church, 211 Center Street, Slippery Rock, PA.