GREGORY THOMAS SLAK age 24, cherished son of Thomas and Cynthia (nee Weber); dearest brother of Claire (Jacob) Leonard and Emily; beloved grandson of his maternal grandparents Lynetta and the late Daniel Weber, and his paternal grandparents Jernej and Minka Slak, who preceded him in death; dear nephew of Mojca, Helen, Eran, Galina, Cathy, Dan, Bart, and Jim; treasured cousin of Jessica (James), Jimmy, Alexandra, and Sasha; and friend of everyone at Viaquest of Mentor.
A special thank you is extended to the entire staff of 2 West at UH Geauga Medical Center for their exceptional care of Gregory and the outpouring love that was shown to their family.
Gregory was born on April 22, 1999, in Cleveland, Ohio and truly completed the Slak’s family of five. In his 24 years of life, he needed the assistance of his family and others for many things, however he did not let his incapabilities define him and always remained in good spirits. He went through a lot of physical therapy sessions growing up and never complained or seemed upset despite the discomfort this may have caused him. His strength and flexibility were unmeasurable and evident through the positions he could sometimes be found in. Greg attended Broadmoor School where he made many friends, including his dear friend Austin, participated in many projects, enjoyed swimming days, participated on the dance and cheer teams, and took two dates, Claire and Emily, to prom. Upon graduation from Broadmoor in 2020, he began attending Viaquest and was again loved by all, especially Mr. Lloyd and Jessie. Outside, Greg liked to go fast on his bike in his chair and supervise his family’s yard work while soaking up the sun and watching the birds. However, he preferred when they would all go to the beach, as he loved the water, and he and his family searched for beach glass. Although Greg was unable to physically talk, he was able to communicate through his many expressions and gestures, like the crinkling of his nose, pulling of his sister’s hair to say hi, and flirty antics towards every blonde he met. He would sing a song of his own and be able to show whomever he was with that he loved them. Greg liked all music and would play his own tune on the piano and fist bump to many songs, but it was “Shake it Up, Baby” that always put a smile on his face. Greg also liked eating his favorite foods and the taste of a good margarita; so much that his family will forever call them Gregoritas in his honor. In his life he was able to provide many acts of great service but serving as his brother-in-law’s best man during Jake and Claire’s impromptu wedding ceremony at the hospital is one that his family will forever treasure. During a full moon Greg would go 24 hours without sleep and rest, however on May 5, 2023, under the glow of a full moon with his family by his side, Greg earned his eternal rest.
Contributions may be made in memory of Gregory to either St. Vitus Catholic Church or the Sunshine Foundation.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, May 13, 2023, at St. Vitus Catholic Church, 6019 Lausche Ave, Cleveland, OH, at 10 AM.
A private burial will be held.
Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Gregory at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) FRIDAY 3-7 PM.
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Marcia Kirby
Was so sad to hear about Greg. He will certainly be a force to be dealt with in Heaven….in all the good ways. I firmly believe that he taught his caregivers far more than could ever be repaid. I truly owe him and his family a debt of gratitude for the years we spent together. God’s blessings on the entire family. ❤️
Lynn weber
To my Dearest Family I send my deepest love and thoughts to all of you !
Greggy will be in my heart forever!
Rest In Peace!
Wendy Slak
Thinking of you all.
Love Wendy
Hayley Major
He really was the best. Life isn’t as bright without him here. Thinking of you guys.
Andrea Jezeski
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
He was such a special “little man”
He touched so many lives, without even knowing it.
Love to you all.
Joseph coffey
God bless Greg. You now have your own angel in Heaven. My deepest condolences for your loss. Bishop Joe Coffey ☕️
Jeff Hoffmann
A very inspirational young man indeed who will forever remain in our hearts.
Louise Strauss
If Gregory could talk I know he would tell everyone that God gave him the best family anyone could ever ask for. You gave him a wonderful life. My deepest sympathies.
Louise
Karen Reid
Dear Cindy, so sorry to hear about your loss. God bless you and yours.
Frank & Eydie Schindler
There are no words adequate enough to explain the love that Gregory was able to show each and every one of us who knew him and came under his charisma. He truly was a heaven-sent angel on earth to show us all what happens to us when an innocent, lovely child touches our hearts. Our deepest condolences.
Love, Frank and Eydie
Kelly Knight
So sorry to hear that Greg has passed…Greg has the same beautiful smile I remember! It was a joy working with Greg in Physical therapy and working with his wonderful family. I am grateful I knew Greg and his family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers
Roz Lachowyn
Sending deepest sympathy to all of you. I will remember Gregory for his mischievous smile, his awesome hair and his ability to get his point across without using words! Additionally, God knew what he was doing when he sent Greg to such a caring beautiful family. His care could not have been easy for Tom and Cindy, Claire and Emily but their love and compassion always endured. Love and Hugs,
Cousin Roz
The Kryz family
Thinking about all of you during this sad time. Sending all our love and prayers.
Sasha Parsons and Galina Weber
Sending all our love to the Slaks who have shown us great love, warmth and acceptance from the first day we joined your family. We love Greg and know your lives will be forever changed without him by your side.