Donald J. Mate, 72, ''The Admiral'' or ''D.M''

He was born in Lorain on July 12, 1938 and had been a life-long resident of the city. As a youth, he was an outfielder on several local championship baseball teams.

Don graduated from Holy Trinity Catholic School and Lorain High School where he was a member of the Class of 1956-B. He later completed course studies at the University of Maryland.

Mr. Mate enlisted in the United States Navy in 1956 and fulfilled duty assignments as a crewman with Jet Attack Squadron VA-46 aboard the aircraft carriers USS Franklin D. Roosevelt # 42 and USS Intrepid # 11. He was extremely proud of his military career and was the recipient of a variety of awards and commendations for his service.

Following his discharge from the military Don was employed as a salesman for United States Lines, a worldwide shipping entity. He retired briefly, but re-entered the working world where he was employed by several U.S. Governmental agencies.

He was a parishioner of the former Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lorain and was a member of St. John’s Lodge Branch # 228. He was also a member of Amvets Post # 47 in Lorain as well as the American Slovak Club.

In his free time Don enjoyed sports, and watching old movies. Additional interests included cooking and keeping abreast of world affairs.

He is survived by his brother Paul (Laurel) of Avon Lake, by sisters Marguerite (John, Sr.) Czompoly of Lorain and Roseann Geres of Vermilion, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Mary (nee Stitak) Mate.

Graveside services for the family will be held in Calvary Cemetery at a later date. The family encourages memorial contributions to the Adult Activities Fund at Autumn Aegis Nursing Home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, Lorain.

To share your on-line condolences with the family please visit www.gluvna.net.