Peter Joseph Meduri Sr.

Peter J. Meduri Sr., 96, passed away in the early hours of February 15, 2025. Born on January 27, 1929, in Ravenna, Ohio, to the late Paul and Carmella (Simone) Meduri, Pete’s journey took him from Ohio to New York City at the age of two, returning to his hometown at 14. He graduated from Ravenna High School in 1946 and served with the Second Infantry Division in Korea during the Korean War.

After his service, Pete built a career in the wholesale produce business, co-owning and running it alongside his brother Joseph for four decades before retiring in 1994. On July 20, 1957, he married his beloved wife, Doris Cercolani, and they shared 67 years of marriage.

A lifelong avid sports fan, he cheered on the Browns, Cavaliers, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and the Guardians—but Pete never lost his childhood love for the New York Yankees. He enjoyed telling stories about attending games during Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak in 1941. Pete spent many years coaching his three sons in St. Patrick CYO and Kent City Little League baseball. After he stopped coaching, he faithfully attended his children’s and grandson’s sporting events. Pete also had a passion for golf and worked as a starter at the Kent State golf course for 23 years after his retirement, where he formed many great friendships. 

Pete’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife, Doris; their children, Dr. Peter Jr. (Delores) of Glen Daniel, WV, David, Christopher, and Mary, all of Kent, and grandson, Samuel Brann of Stow. He also leaves behind step-grandchildren Desiree Daniels, Heather Davis, Holly Robinson, Bryan Clawson; 17 step-great-grandchildren; his brother Paul (Joyce) Meduri of Ravenna, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Anna Courneya and brother-in-law Jim; and his brothers Joseph (Phyllis), Brother Francis C.S.C., and Jim (Marilyn) Meduri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Patrick Church Memorial Fund, 313 North Depeyster Street, Kent OH, PJM Ministries P.O. Box 433, Glen Daniel, WV 25844 or https://takingthefield.org/ or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/

Pete’s life was filled with love, laughter, and strong devotion to his family, faith, and friends. He will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 11:30AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 313 N. Depeyster St. Kent, OH 44240, with the Rev. Fr. David Bridling as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Standing Rock Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to Mass from 10:00-11:30AM on Thursday at the church.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.