Ernest A. "Ernie" Steeves

Ernest A. Steeves, retired Deputy Chief of the Town of Needham Fire Department, as well as faithful and devoted family man, friend, and neighbor to many, found well-earned eternal peace on October 25th, 2021, after a valiant fight against cancer. 

Ernie, a lifelong resident of Needham, Massachusetts, was born on September 29th, 1942 to the late Walter Steeves and Virginia (Henderson). A motivated and driven young man, Ernie graduated from Needham High School in 1960, where he went on to serve his country honorably for 3 years as a United States Marine, attaining the rank of Corporal. Upon returning home from his service, Ernie was eager to give back to the community in which he loved and who had shown him so much support. Ernie continued his service of protecting the greater good as a police officer for the town of Needham, and later joined the Needham Fire Department where he had a long and distinguished career working his way from the rank of firefighter to that of Deputy Chief of Operations. Ernie was always there to lend anyone in need a helping hand, and would never hesitate to put others before himself, two characteristics of his that contributed to the lasting impact he left on the Needham Fire Department. If you hang around the fire stations long enough you can hear many stories of his heroics, his unwavering service to the town, his love for the department, and his fellow firefighters but above all, you’d probably hear most about his genuine kindness towards everyone he met. In the end, however, Ernie would tell you his proudest career moment is when his sons Jay and Jonathan followed in his boots by joining him on the fire department.

Above all else, Ernie’s greatest accomplishment and the light of his life was his family. He is the beloved husband of the late Janice (Castriotta), the mother of his unbounded pride and joy, his two surviving sons Jay and Jonathan. Jay lives in Needham with his longtime partner Janie Swart and her children Donnie, Sammy and Alec Silverman. Jonathan lives in Millis with his wife Russet Morrow. Ernie is also the grandfather of 5 grandchildren or as they called him “Blampy”, a title that he cherished deeply and wore proudly. Jay’s three children Courtney McInerney and her husband Tim McInerney Jr. of Millis, Mac Steeves of Needham, Kayla Steeves of Needham, and Jonathan’s two children Jake Steeves and his fiancé Brandi Moore of New York City, and Grace Steeves of Millis. He is also the step-grandfather of Ryan and Ramsey Breslau of Millis. Ernie was recently blessed with a great-grandson, Andrew John “AJ” McInerney of Millis. Ernie loved his grandchildren and loved to share all of their accomplishments, which you could find prominently displayed as stickers on the rear window of his car and on every sweatshirt or hat he owned. As well, he has many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Ernie is also the husband of the late Susan (Marshall) and stepfather to her children Janet Anderson and Karen Lindsey.

Along with his parents, Ernie is predeceased by his brothers Cliff Steeves and Walter Steeves Jr. of Needham, and his sisters Marylou Steeves of Needham and Virginia Lee McLaughlin of Franklin. 

When he was not spending time with his adored children and grandchildren, or helping others, Ernie could be found rooting for the Boston sports teams but was a true fanatic of his beloved Red Sox. He was also a devout Christian and loved to attend worship at the First Baptist Church in Needham. Through his time spent with those around him, as well as his time alone, Ernie stood true to his values, and never wavered in his faith. While Ernie will be missed dearly by those who loved him and the lives he touched, we know that surely goodness and mercy have followed him all the days of his life, and he shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham, on Monday, November 1st from 4-8pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. A Funeral Service will be held in the First Baptist Church in Needham, 858 Great Plain Ave Needham, on Tuesday at 10am. Interment with military honors will follow at Needham Cemetery. Please note that COVID protocols will be followed in church including all attendees must wear a mask.

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