Tony Steele

David Anthony Steele, 89 Cape Coral, Florida “The Man on the Flying Trapeze”

 

David Anthony "Tony" Steele was born to soar — in spirit and in life.

 

Known affectionately to family and friends as “Uncle Tony,” he was born on August 29, 1936, in Boston, Massachusetts, and passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, in Cape Coral, Florida, at the age of 89.

 

Tony’s passion for the flying trapeze began early. At just 15 years old, he took to the air with Harry LaMaar and the Flying LaMaars, later performing with the renowned Flying Malkos and the Gil Gray Circus.

 

His extraordinary talent and fearlessness quickly earned him international acclaim.

 

In 1959, Tony was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably in Germany. Following his military service, he returned to his true calling — the circus — and went on to perform around the world.

 

Tony’s aerial feats earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records twice: first, as the first performer in modern times to complete a triple somersault, and again as the first ever to execute a 3½ somersault to a catcher.

 

In recognition of his contributions to the art of the flying trapeze, he was inducted into the World Acrobatics Society in 2004, and in 2010, into the prestigious St. Armand's Circus Ring of Fame.

 

Tony’s love of flight extended far beyond his own performances. He was a beloved teacher and mentor to generations of aspiring flyers, sharing his knowledge and passion at flying schools across the country, including the Gamma Phi Circus. He also authored The ABC’s of Flying Trapeze, a guide for those wishing to learn the craft.

 

It was through his travels that Tony met the love of his life, French ballet dancer Juliette DeValque — lovingly known as “Lily.” She later joined him in flight as his trapeze partner. The two were inseparable until her passing after 33 years of marriage.

 

In his later years, Tony resided in Haines City, Florida, at the Zimmerman circus compound, where he continued teaching young performers well into his 80s. In 2022, he moved to Cape Coral to live with his niece and goddaughter, Linda Steele Proulx, and her husband Michael. Linda served as his devoted caregiver for the last three and a half years of his life.

 

Tony is survived by his sister, Michelle Stowe Connor of Australia, and his brother, Richard Steele, and wife Joanne of Cape Coral.

 

He also leaves behind nieces and nephews Bart Steele, Brad Steele, Lorraine Steele Barnes, and Linda Steele Proulx, as well as 11 grand-nieces and nephews and 19 great-grand-nieces and nephews.

 

Tony lived a joyful, fulfilling life filled with adventure, purpose, and deep faith.

 

He now reunites with his beloved Lily — and in his own words — with “his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

 

 

 

A Celebration of Life for Tony Steele

Saturday, November 8, 2025 The Showfolks Club, Sarasota, Florida Festivities begin at 5:00 PM

 

Friends, family, and fellow performers are warmly invited to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life of a man who truly lived among the stars — and flew with them.