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Anthony Mediate 1930-2025

THE VILLAGES, Florida — Anthony “Ike” Mediate passed away Monday, May 12, 2025.

At the age of 94, he was still sharp as a whip and a loving mentor to his family and friends. He led a remarkable life that cannot be easily summarized in only a few short paragraphs, but we will focus on the highlights.

Anthony was born Oct. 24, 1930, in Struthers. Most knew him as “Ike,” a childhood nickname that his brother Joe had given him after the radio quiz show Doctor IQ as he had dreams of becoming a doctor.

At the end of high school, Ike was awarded a scholarship from the U.S. Steel Corporation (very prominent in Struthers), which led him in a different direction to study engineering at Youngstown State University.

Following college, he made a bold move and left Struthers to pursue post-graduate studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He then entered the Naval Officer Training program, which took him to Monterey, California, and Bethesda, Maryland. He did aeronautical and visibility studies for the Navy. Following a short stint in the steel industry, Ike joined IBM where he would spend the remainder of his career. He worked in technical sales, which included strategy work on selling IBM’s first personal computer.

What gave Ike the most pride was his family whom he loved and fiercely supported. He married his high school sweetheart, Norene, in 1954 and was a devoted husband of 67 years. They had two children, Shelley and Jimmy. They raised their children primarily in the Cleveland suburb of North Olmsted and gave their children a wonderful childhood full of fun outdoors and memorable family trips. Following retirement, Norene and Ike moved to The Villages, Florida. There, they continued to have a fulfilling social and active life.

Ike’s favorite activities were golfing, biking and reading. It is unclear if he more so enjoyed making birdies or cursing at his shanks. He was a master at crossword puzzles and could tackle even the most difficult. After retirement, he and Norene also began cruising frequently throughout the Caribbean.

His family will forever miss his vitality, humor and love. He joins his wife, Norene, and daughter, Michele, with our Heavenly Father. He is survived by his son, Jim (Cynthia), four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Services will be 10 a.m. July 9, 2025, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lady Lake, Florida.

Internment at Florida National Cemetery will be the following day.

(special notice)