Captain Joseph Leo Steckler (Usn, Ret.)

Joseph Leo Steckler, Captain, United States Navy (Retired), passed away peacefully on 29 January, 2025. Captain Steckler, son of Joseph and Libby Steckler, “Papa Joe” to his family, was born in Evansville, Indiana on 20 December, 1933. Joe began his military journey by enlisting in the Kentucky National Guard in 1950 at age 16, before joining the Navy during the Korean Conflict and then graduating from the esteemed United States Naval Academy in 1958.

Capt. Steckler served thirty years as a Naval Officer and had five commands, wrote nuclear weapons policy for the President and published a book on the oil routes of the world, ultimately retiring from active duty in 1988 with 38 ½ years total service to his country. Among his numerous sea duty assignments were amphibious ships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers and six submarines. His many shore tours featured roles with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Navy Staff, Executive Officer on a submarine tender, Commanding Officer of Auburn University Naval ROTC and Commander of Navy Recruiting Area Four, the Navy's largest Recruiting Area.

Joe’s last Navy assignment was in Gulfport, MS, as Governor of the United States Naval Home (now Armed Forces Retirement Home) and as the Secretary of the Navy’s representative to the Armed Forces Retirement Home Board of Directors. Captain Steckler cherished his time at Auburn University and the Naval Home as among his most rewarding commands, appreciating the contrast of leading “crews” with an average age of 20 in one and 77 in the other.

Dad’s was a life of service which had three distinct phases - before, during and after the Navy - the first two preparing him for his last. He utilized every position he held as a platform to help others. Joe was deeply dedicated to the work in which he believed, and performed, until the end of his life: serving those striving to age with dignity.

Joe Steckler’s contributions to the community are widely recognized. Many in Melbourne and other locations will remember him for his long-running radio show, “The Elder Hour,” which first aired on 7 December, 2000, his television series “Aging with Dignity” and his Florida Today column, “Focus on Seniors.” Joe’s expertise extended beyond media, advising two Florida governors on aging-related policies and chairing the Brevard County Commission on Aging. As the Director of the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, Joe spearheaded the creation of enduring support programs that continue to benefit families today. These programs include “Joe’s Club” locations, named in his honor, and an extensive network of elder care centers.

Never one to truly retire, Joe founded Helping Seniors of Brevard in 2011 and tirelessly continued to work there until his passing. Under his leadership, the organization established the Helping Seniors Hotline, hosted 100 Helping Seniors television programs and maintained a long-running weekly radio show. Joe’s commitment to his community extended beyond his professional work, as he founded an interfaith caregiver respite program and received recognition for his lay pastoral ministry from the Diocese of Orlando’s Lumen Gentium Tribute. Temple Beth Shalom honored Joe with the prestigious Crown of the Good Name, the only time ever awarded to an individual outside the Jewish faith.

“Papa Joe” is survived by Teresa, his wife of 52 years, children Steven, Kristan, Nona, Rebecca and Kevin, thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, his brother Mike and all their families. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Libby, his brother Bob and his great grandson Logan. Throughout their lives together, Joe always considered the many friends he and Terry made over the years family for they were all extremely precious to him.

Joe was an active member of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic, Florida, serving as a Commissioned Minister to the Elderly, Eucharistic Minister, Minister to the Sick and many other ministries.

Joseph Leo Steckler, Captain, United States Navy (Ret), will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery with honors. He and his family request any donations be made “In Memory of Joe” to Helping Seniors of Brevard (HelpingSeniorsofBrevard.org), where a fund has been started in his name to continue the causes he championed in life.