Stanley R. Zakrajsek

STANLEY R. ZAKRAJSEK age 93, beloved husband for 61 years of the late Joanne (nee Hocevar); loving father of Stanley F. (Gayle Lutch), Larry (deceased), Arlene Leuzzi (husband Ken), Janene Zakrajsek and Mary Joy Lynch (husband Thomas); devoted grandfather of Michael (wife Megan) and Amanda Zakrajsek, Nicholas (fiancé Emma Bates), David, and Matthew Leuzzi (wife Hailey) and great-grandfather of Nolan, Mya and Layla; cherished son of the late Andrew and Frances (nee Pirnat); dearest brother of the late Frances Spech (husband Anthony, deceased) and Andrew; dear uncle and great-uncle of many. U.S. Army Korean Conflict Veteran.

Stanley was born on October 24, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a lifelong resident of Euclid. He was a member of St. Christine Catholic Church before their closing and the Independent Veteran’s Association. Stanley graduated from Cathedral Latin High School and worked as an accounting clerk for Addressograph Multigraph. Trading office work for small business, together with his wife Joanne, they owned and operated Zak’s Bar for several years, after which time opting to sell the business, Stanley took to the road. He had a passion for driving and the freedom of the open road. Working first as a chauffeur for Central Cadillac, and then various courier and (taxi) cab driver positions, he absolutely loved being behind-the-wheel.

Stanley enjoyed fishing, hunting, horse racing, football, billiards… and the challenge of a really good puzzle. He could frequently be found socializing at Slovenian Society Home and the SNPJ Farm or listening to Slovenian polkas and waltzes. Many would describe him as a sociable, friendly, and patient person who was very generous in giving. Stanley passed away on August 30, 2023. He will be dearly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Stanley to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192 or CLICK HERE. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at St. Vitus Catholic Church, 6019 Lausche Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 at 11 AM. Burial following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Stanley at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY 3 – 7 PM.