Gregory Thomas Slak

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.