Steven W. Blate, age 84, of North Canton, Ohio, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023. Steve was born to Jerome Blate and Janet Erlanger, and grew up in Canton at the family business, Stark Dry Goods, the first department store in the area. He was a proud graduate of Jackson High School and attended Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana, where he studied aeronautical engineering. Steve was employed by Firestone, where he was able to travel and see the world. With several engineering patents under his belt, including designs for the Goodyear blimp, he ultimately retired early from The Hoover Company to care for his father in Bar Harbor Island, Florida.

In their teens, Steve met his wife, Jeannene Hiltbrand at rival high school North Canton Hoover. They were married in 1962 and had three children, Michele, Mike, and Greg. Steve was active at his church St. Paul, and was a cub scout leader and a professor at Akron University.

One of Steve's passions was flying. He loved to retell stories of his flying escapades, including his early days as a pilot in college, to his most recent trip last year where he co-piloted a World War II era Boeing Biplane.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Janet, his brother Larry Blate, his son Mike, and his wife of 54 years, Jeannene. Steve is survived by his children Michele Blate and Greg (Cathi) Blate, grandchildren Danny (Brigitte) Evans, Brian Evans, Jenna (David) Gonzalez, Taylor Blate, and David Blate, and great-grandchildren Brodey, Hannah, Lilly, Johnathan, Isabella, and Isla. He is also survived by his brother Ronald (Sandra) Blate and his family.

The family thanks the many nurses, aides, and professionals at the Inn at Belden Village who helped care for Steve these past six months.

Calling hours will be at the Rossi Family Funeral Home on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Paul Catholic Parish North Canton, on Friday at 10 a.m., with Rev. Fr. John Keehner as celebrant, along with co-celebrant and family friend, Msgr. Jay Clarke.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Catholic Parish, North Canton.

ROSSI (330)492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com