Agency on aging CEO dies at age 63

Medd was a Vietnam War Army veteran.

STAFF REPORT

NILES — Donald J. Medd, chief executive officer of Area Agency on Aging 11, died of a heart attack Wednesday morning at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital. He was 63.

The executive committee of the agency’s board of trustees met Thursday afternoon to appoint Joseph Rossi, chief operating officer, as the acting CEO effective immediately, according to an agency press release.

The Area Agency on Aging 11 is a large, private nonprofit that receives both federal and state funds. It is one of 12 in Ohio with a mission to develop a system of community-based services for nearly 144,000 people age 60 and older in Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

“We were all shocked and saddened by the news of Don’s sudden passing,” said Thomas Klingeman, trustee board chairman. “He was a committed leader whose advocacy for older adults was recognized throughout the state.”

Medd came to the Area Agency on Aging 11 in 1991. He replaced Martha Murphy, who retired. He was only the second director since the agency’s inception in 1976.

Medd received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and went on to complete coursework for his master’s degree in philosophy from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill.

He oversaw the passage of a $3.5 million Ashtabula County senior tax levy and initiated a prescription-drug program the agency says has saved seniors in this region nearly $9 million.

He also provided the financial backing and leadership to recommend a senior levy in Trumbull County.

Medd served in Special Forces in Vietnam, joining the Army in 1968 and serving in an Army Ranger Company from 1969 to 1970, where his duties included running four-day reconnaissance missions into the jungles with a six-man team.

Medd, a sergeant, earned the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Hall Funeral Home in Warren, where friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m.