Akila J. Misali

A.J. “Ike” Misali, aged 89 passed away Saturday, Sept. 25th.  Preceded in death by beloved wife, Margaret S. Misali, devoted father of Matthew Misali, favorite child Lynda Misali Baumann (Barry Steinberg), Steven Misali, and Daniel (Melanie) Misali, and survived by 8 grandchildren.   Visitation Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 at Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Rd. at Galbraith Rd. from 1PM until funeral services at 3PM.  Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.  

Ike was an absolute legend in this town, and led an extraordinary and generous life.  Born to Greek immigrants, he grew up around what is now Pete Rose Way; what used to be called “The Bottoms,” decades ago.  From humble beginnings of shining shoes and selling newspapers on the street, Ike worked his whole life in the face of adversity to achieve greatness in many ways.

He was on the Withrow High School state baseball champion team, and at the University of Cincinnati he was the co-captain of the baseball team in the early 1950’s, playing alongside teammates like Jack Borcherding and Sandy Koufax.  A lifetime member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, he was inducted into the fraternity’s Order of Constantine, and was awarded the Cincy Sig Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ike joined the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from UC, and made it to the rank of captain.  Afterwards, he met the love of his life, Margaret “Marge” Schmidt, and raised four children who could not have asked for a better father.

Ike was the consummate father, coaching little league baseball for his sons, family vacations, and helping his children with their math homework.  To this day, his four adult children always approach any math problem by starting out with a pie chart.  Oh, and his favorite child, Lynda, got a horse...

He supported his family by being an exceptional salesman in the insurance world; winning award after award from his company, Mutual Benefit Life.  A company he stayed with for 30 years.

His children were amazed at how many people Ike knew.  Wherever he went, he bumped into someone he knew.  His explanation for this was, “Either I went to school with them, they were a Sigma Chi, or I insured them!”

Throughout life, Ike was very involved in giving back to his beginnings.  Ike was responsible for starting several scholarships, including the Tony Trabert scholarship for tennis at the University of Cincinnati, the A.O. Mathias award at Withrow High School, and the UC Baseball Ike Misali Award.

For his tireless efforts, Ike was awarded UC’s Order of the Black Blazer; reserved for alumni with long and distinguished service to UC Athletics.

Even in his last years, he was always in very good spirits.  He was a favorite with the staff at MP Lee, and was always happy to receive visitors.

He will be missed by everyone.

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