Katherine Polito

KATHERINE POLITO (nee Buckner) age 74, beloved wife for 50 years of John; loving mother of Andrea (fiancé Otis Elmore), Dominic (Sarah) and Philip (Sarah); devoted grandmother of Olivia, Nicholas, Cameron, Dominic, Jr., Marianna, Natalia, Nadia and Gabrielle and step-grandmother of Caleb Elmore; cherished daughter of the late George and Mary (nee Kubas) Buckner; dearest sister of Genevieve O’Brien (Richard), Beverly Dadante (David) and the late Frank Buckner; dear niece of Stella Pokos and Leon Kubas; treasured sister-in-law of JoAnn & Edward Greene, Bernadette & Rock Creadon, Matthew & Elise Polito, Dominic & Joan Polito, Anthony Polito & Pamela Seeker and the late Rosemary Mirrotto and Mercedes & Marshall Boyette; dear aunt, great-aunt and friend of many. 

Kathy was born December 3, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio to George & Mary who modeled consummate love and support. ‘Kitty’ as she was often called in her younger days, graduated from Regina High School in 1969. Her giving and supportive personality led her to pursue a nursing career, which she achieved at the Central School of Practical Nursing. With that licensure, she was employed by University Hospitals before returning home to lovingly raise her three children allowing John to lead multiple businesses. She reentered the workforce as a school nurse for the South Euclid/Lyndhurst School District eventually advancing to Intervention Specialist Assistant alongside many tremendous colleagues. She was active in the St. Paul Parish as PTO President and member of the Contemporary Folk Group where she sang her heart out each Sunday. Kathy loved to socialize with her sisters Bev & Genny over long phone conversations and Monday evenings with ‘The Bowling Girls’ as she attempted to perfect her southpaw spin amidst chatter and laughter. She was an incredible cook ensuring that her children were filled with egg sandwiches or pizza bagels in the morning. Kathy enjoyed spending time alone in prayer, reading fiction, jamming to Motown, and solving crossword puzzles. When the travel bug bit her, her two favorite destinations were Cherry Grove N. Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Bradenton, FL. Her devotion to John, her parents and in-laws, her children, grandchildren and family left no question as to how much she loved them. Her signature morning message of “may the dear Lord bless and keep you and have a nice day” will live on through her caring presence from heaven. Kathy entered eternal rest on January 6, 2025 and will be forever missed by her loving family and circle of friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Kathy to Alzheimer’s Association, 23215 Commerce Park, #300, Beachwood, OH 44122 or online at alz.org/cleveland/donate . 

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Kathy at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) SUNDAY January 12, 2-5PM. Prayers of Christian Burial Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 5PM AT THE FUNERAL HOME. Private burial at Knollwood Cemetery.