Steven John Medalia, Sr.

August 7, 1937 – December 29, 2025

On December 29, 20025 beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend Steven John Medalia, Sr. passed away at the age of 88. His health had been declining for several years, and he was cared for at home by his devoted wife, Mary Jane.  For the last 8 months he received loving care at Richmond Beach Rehabilitation, a place that became a second home to him and his family with daily visits from his loving wife and family members.

Steve was the fifth of seven children born to Croatian immigrant parents, Marion and Mary (Antoncich) Medalia. His formative years were spent on Bainbridge Island, and he talked fondly of those days recalling family gatherings at his grandparents’ home, summers swimming in Eagle Harbor, and exploring Wing Point. He loved the outdoors and the freedom of the island. In 1949 his parents moved the family to the Haller Lake area of north Seattle, a move he was not excited about. During this time, he helped his mother in the small nursery business she started while his father was away commercial fishing. He attended his first year of high school at Seattle Prep, an all-boys school at the time, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1955. He spent summers commercial fishing in Alaska to help pay his tuition at Seattle University where he earned a bachelor of commercial science degree in August 1959.

Steve was 20 years old when his beloved father Marion passed away at the age of 59, a pivotal loss that defined his adulthood. At that young age he took on many responsibilities to ensure his mother was supported and cared for in the family home on Corliss, the hub of their large extended family. His devotion to his mother ran so deep that he turned down many career advancements over the years as relocating away from family was never an option for him.

In 1961, Steve met and married the love of his life, Mary Jane Belanich. Their family grew quickly, welcoming four children in five years. Their young family enjoyed their years in their Richmond Beach home in a neighborhood where lifelong memories and friendships were made. Besides his children, Steve’s pride and joy was his yard. He spent endless hours working in his yard and his kids learned alongside him. The neighbor kids would panic if a ball or toy landed in one of his gardens as there were strict rules to stay out of Mr. Medalia’s gardens! Steve always dreamed of having some property and considered buying a place out in Snohomish when the kids were young. Mary Jane was reluctant for multiple reasons, one being the sight of a skunk running across the property! In 1973 his dream was answered when they purchased their home in Richmond Highlands with over an acre of property. The land and house needed a lot of work, but it was close to family and St. Luke Parish so Mary Jane was onboard. The next 50+ years included several remodels, a paved roadway, work parties, manicured lawns and gardens, a well on the property, some chickens, a goat, several dogs, and a stream of family dinners, birthdays, graduations, and holiday gatherings. Priceless memories that will be cherished forever.

Their marriage was one of faith, family, and commitment and it endured for 64 years. Steve was a dedicated provider and had a very successful career in refrigeration sales, retiring from the Hussmann Corporation in 1996. His retirement allowed him ample time in his yard and more time with family as his kids married and started families of their own. He cherished his grandchildren and great-children and they loved their Papa. Steve was very proud of his Croatian heritage and supported his family’s involvement in the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans. A highlight for the entire family was a trip to Croatia in 2004 with a visit to Steve’s father’s birthplace in Veli Rat, which Marion was never able to return to. The family was welcomed with open arms, and a lamb was slaughtered in their honor.

Steve’s life was guided by his deep Catholic faith, attending daily mass until he was no longer able to drive and praying the rosary daily. He was a strong supporter of Catholic education and actively involved with St. Vincent De Paul Society, a ministry he was passionate about.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Jane; his children Theresa Jones (Donny), Steve Jr. (Janet), Mary Kay Jovanovich (George), Christine Bartell (William, Jr), 10 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his twin brother Joseph and sister Ann Lockhart (Tom). He is predeceased by his parents Marion and Mary Medalia, sisters Mary Nelson and Veronica Johnson and brothers Michael and Peter Medalia.

There will be a recitation of the rosary at 7:00pm Thursday, January 8th followed by a Funeral Mass Friday, January 9th at 10:00am, both at St. Luke Parish, 322 N 175^th Street, Shoreline WA 98133.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Steve’s name may be made to St. Luke Parish St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans