IRVINGTON, NJ — Former Irvington Mayor Mike Steele was given a clean bill of health in mid-April by his attending physicians and therapeutic team, according to a press release from Steele. Steele, who was mayor from 1990 to 1994, suffered a stroke in November 2020.
In November, a week before Steele’s 65th birthday, he went deep-sea fishing with his brother-in-law.
“I love to fish but I just didn’t feel the excitement like I usually do. As they day wore on, I began to feel fatigued, at one point almost dropping the fishing pole,” Steele said. “By the evening, as we were driving home, I felt exhausted and my brother-in-law, David, noticed a sudden slur of words as I was speaking. When I arrived home, my wife, Cookie, immediately picked up on the slurring of words, which had gotten worse.”
Steele’s family suggested he go to the emergency room; he refused, saying he was not in any pain.
Steele was admitted to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark three days later and it was determined that he had experienced a mild stroke. NBIMC kept Steele for observation for several days and released him on his 65th birthday.
“It was the best birthday gift — to get a new lease on life. I just have to follow some rules, take my medication regularly and exercise. Exercise is key,” Steele said. “I wish to thank my therapeutic team. My two occupational therapists were knowledgeable and skilled, and they made me work hard in every session. My speech therapist was amazing.
“I wish to thank everyone who played a role in my speedy recovery,” he continued. “It’s been four months and I feel great. My right knee is my concern — all considered, I can deal with that!”
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