Harold Franklin Steed, Jr., affectionately known as “Frankie,” transitioned peacefully on January 10, 2026, with family closely by his side. He was born on May 10, 1947, in High Point, NC, to the late Harold Franklin Steed, Sr. and Blanche (Steele) Steed.

Frankie was preceded in death by four siblings, Doris Tyson, Deborah Steed, Leon Steed, and Catherine Steed, one grandson, Adonest Briscoe, three nephews, Lafayette Tyson, Troy Fisher, and Johnny “Kaboobie” Steed, Jr., one great-nephew, Meshon Rickard, and one great-niece, Ebonè Chavis.

Frankie attended William Penn Senior High School in High Point, NC. In 1966, he relocated to Beverly, NJ, where, shortly after, he met Aleta Dreher, the mother of his children, Elisa, Tamika, Nikrena, and Harold III. Frankie and Aleta married in 1974.

Frankie served in the United States Air Force from 1973 through 1977 before his discharge Under Honorable Conditions. After leaving the military, he held several jobs, including at Rudy’s Liquors, Windsor Towers as Head Custodian, and as a medical transport driver.

In 1988, Frankie married TaLorea “Jeanie” Wainwright, adding two more children to the family, Sonia and Justin.

Frankie loved spending time with his family and friends, cooking, watching all sports and westerns, and listening to jazz music. He also enjoyed his daily scheduled naps. He was a quiet, cool, and laid-back man, and when he entered a room, his smile brightened up the space, and his presence was felt. He let people be themselves and held no judgment.

Those left to celebrate his life are his children, Elisa (Brian), Tamika, Nikrena, Harold III, Sonia, and Justin (Elisa), his grandchildren, Tracee, Ahlon, Aleta, Kelis, Akira, Trae, Jasenya, Julian, Sydney, Leilani, and Jamison, his great-grandchildren, Claudy, Asaiah, Ahlon, Amira, Ruby, Bailey, Alora, Adonest (A.J.), Maya, and Ava, and one great-great granddaughter, Marianna, his four siblings, Johnny, Sr., Michael (Orenda), Jeffrey, and Deidra, sister-in-law, Marilyn Ganges-Steed (Leon), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of Life Service will be held, Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.