The Passing of Steve DiMeo

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steven J. DiMeo. Steve passed away suddenly on March 6, 2024, leaving an eternal legacy of dedication and vision to the Mohawk Valley.

Steve was more than just our President; he was the guiding force behind EDGE, the Marcy Nanocenter, Griffiss Business and Technology Park, and the entire region’s economic trajectory for the past 30 years. He led with an unwavering commitment to our mission, constantly driving those privileged to work alongside him. The consistency in leadership and vision he provided in this region was a luxury not many places have had, and the Mohawk Valley has reaped the benefits seen in all corners of our community. While Steve certainly did not accomplish everything he had done alone, without him, it may never have happened. EDGE’s partner organizations noted the following:

The Oneida County Industrial Development Agency & Oneida County Local Development Corporation deeply mourns this significant loss to our community. Steve’s devotion, time, and unwavering determination have consistently served as the foundation of countless projects within Oneida County.

For Steve, everything was about creating a successful project. He was a brilliant mind who could see 2 or 3 steps ahead, constantly positioning the region to leverage public and private investments for maximum benefit. Steve’s vision perfectly aligned with OCIDA’s mission and objectives, and a glance at the IDA’s portfolio throughout his career clearly illustrates how his efforts have yielded remarkable success.

OCIDA will forever cherish and honor Steve’s legacy, ensuring he is celebrated and remembered with the greatest respect.

Steve Zogby, OCIDA Board Chair 

On behalf of Griffiss Local Development Corporation, we mourn and reflect on all Steve DiMeo accomplished during his career. The triumphs at Griffiss Business and Technology Park trace back to a meticulously crafted master plan, carefully and thoughtfully executed by Steve and his team since its inception.

What was once a shrinking military base of 1,700 personnel has prospered into a cornerstone of employment in the Mohawk Valley, boasting more than 6,000 employees across 90 public and private enterprises, with nearly a billion dollars in public and private investments attributable to Steve’s long-term vision. In the aftermath of BRACs in the 1990s and again in 2005, his steadfast advocacy safeguarded essential assets like DFAS and AFRL, ultimately creating a nationally recognized and awarded Business Park unlike any other in the country.

GLDC is dedicated to preserving Steve’s legacy with the same commitment and tenacity he showed over his career. His absence will be deeply felt, and his memory will be cherished dearly.

Elis Delia, GLDC Board Chair

On behalf of the Utica Industrial Development Corporation, we mourn the loss of an economic development and community leader. He was a great community servant with special talents who achieved great things for the Utica and the Mohawk Valley. His humility and dedication were evident in every endeavor, as he tirelessly worked alongside partners and collaborators to drive regional progress. Steve’s foresight and strategic vision were unparalleled, guiding projects at Griffiss and the Marcy Nanocenter from conception to fruition. Steve’s legacy will endure, leaving an indelible mark on Utica, the Mohawk Valley, and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones.

John Snyder, UIDC Board Chair

On behalf of Rome Industrial Development Corporation, we mourn the loss of Steve DiMeo. Steve’s absence will leave a profound void within RIDC, one that reverberates through our organization and beyond. His unwavering support was a testament to his legacy; he nurtured projects that enriched not just our organization or the City of Rome but the entire Mohawk Valley. The impact of Steve’s legacy on Rome through RIDC and our collective endeavors is immeasurable, a testament to his enduring influence and commitment to our shared mission.

Ronald Edwards, RIDC Board Chair

Steve achieved remarkable milestones during his tenure with EDGE, steering the organization through challenges and triumphs with the utmost resilience and eye always set on the endgame. His strategic vision has propelled the Mohawk Valley to new heights, cementing our position as a leader in economic development.

The EDGE team has come together over the past few days, and it’s evident that Steve’s work and advocacy for our community has left a mark on all of us. Steve always expressed his pride in how staff rose to the challenge during his absence following his cancer diagnosis last April. As a team, we are committed to continuing with the same determination and tenacity that Steve DiMeo would want us to have.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve was a family man, a friend, someone who could tell you the batting average of the Yankees’ third baseman from 1966 or a piece of American History trivia. While always unsung, his acts of kindness, humility, and generosity will continue to guide us as we honor his memory.

On behalf of the entire EDGE family, we extend our deepest condolences to Steven DiMeo’s loved ones during this difficult time.