The Master’s School Mourns the Loss of Beloved Former Headmaster Don Steele
We celebrate the life and service of Don W. Steele, the longest serving Headmaster of The Master’s School, who served from 1983-2005.
During Don’s time as Headmaster, the first day of school was always the Wednesday after Labor Day. Don’s goal was to know every new student’s name and interact with them by Friday. He was a people person in every way—his door was always open, and when you were with him you knew that you were valued, known and loved.
After his retirement, Don and his wife Anne attended Grandparent Days, homecomings, TMS galas, first day of school convocations, athletic events and graduations. Notably, Don honored two of his grandchildren by presenting them their graduation diplomas at The Master’s School Commencements – Nicole Allen in 2021, and, more recently, to Thomas Allen in June of this year.
Former founder Adelma (Del) Tomkiel once said, “The Master’s School would not have started without the bravery and risk-taking of Ralph Mattson; the school would not have relocated to the Westledge campus without the vision of Stan Mattson; and the school would not have continued without the business acumen of Don Steele.”
Don loved The Master’s School and was one of the school’s strongest supporters. He will be dearly missed by the TMS community, his family and his friends.
We extend our love and prayers to his wife Anne, his daughters Sonya Allen (’94) and Stacey Ortlund (’97) and their families. Although deeply saddened by Don’s passing, we are grateful that Don is now with his Savior and living his eternal life to the fullest.
- a tribute written by Mina Sykes Moger ‘83 and Joneen Monitto
- a tribute written by Mina Sykes Moger ‘83 and Joneen Monitto
The Master's School
The Master’s School is an independent, college-preparatory, non-denominational Christian day school enrolling children in preschool through post-graduate in West Simsbury, CT.
The Master's School is fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The Master's School opens its doors to all qualified students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national affiliation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, and other school-administered programs.
The Master's School is fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The Master's School opens its doors to all qualified students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national affiliation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, and other school-administered programs.
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