Andrew C Steele's Obituary
Andrew C. Steele, creative entrepreneur and Ft. Myers business owner.
Born in northeastern Pennsylvania, Andrew Steele earned B.S.E.E. and M.B.A. degrees from Penn State University. In 1967, following graduation, he moved to Florida with his wife and daughter. He often commented that the move to Florida was one of the best decisions he ever made. In 1969, Andy and his family purchased their first business, a 100-lot mobile home park in Lakeland, FL. From 1970 to 1982, he developed a number of other properties in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. In 1984, his business life took a new turn when he opened Fleamasters Fleamarket on a 40-acre tract next to his RV Resort in Pasco County. He loved the market, and he loved the idea of helping hundreds and hundreds of people realize their dream of owning their own small business. In 1986, Andy opened a sister market on S.R. 82 in Ft. Myers, Fleamasters Fleamarket. He sold the Pasco market to move to Ft. Myers and manage his new flea market full-time. It became his great passion. He loved the flea market business, his golden retrievers, and his Ft. Myers family and friends. Andy enjoyed polka and bluegrass music, travel, and life-long learning. He was a great friend to the Nations Association Charities, and provided mentorship and college scholarships for many local high school students.
In his late 50’s, Andy was diagnosed with an Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a condition that can result in serious lung or liver disease. Like everything else in his life, Andy met the challenge head-on. He joined the board of the Alpha-1 Foundation, a non-profit group providing Alpha-1 education, support and medical research. In 2017, Andy received a lung transplant. He lost his battle to Alpha-1 on April 16, 2020, at the age of 77. In remembrance, his family asks that donations be made to the Alpha-1 Foundation, Alpha1.org.
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