Carol & Richard Sladky

Carol Lynn Sladky & Richard James Sladky, joined in love for 61 years of marriage, both peacefully passed away just four days apart surrounded by family, Carol on July 4, 2024 and Richard on July 8, 2024. They were the devoted parents of two daughters, the late Alisa Rae Sladky, and Jennifer Sladky Hess, and son Bryan Richard Sladky. They were the loving grandparents of Noah and Grayson Hess and Willow Patterson. Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Dorothy Campbell, and sister Rita Rae Campbell. Richard is survived by brothers Kenneth Sladky and Ronald Sladky, and is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Emily Sladky, and his brother, David Sladky. Both are preceded in death by their treasured daughter, Alisa Rae Sladky.

Carol was devoted to her family, her faith, her many circles of friends, her former students, and to her community. Carol grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and spent many loving years with her parents and her late sister, Rita Rae. She was very close to her cousins and shared many happy memories at their various Mauch farms, perhaps in part leading to her lifelong love of animals. Carol had a deep love for music that lasted her entire life. She was very active with the Music Program, Choir, and Student Government at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH. She met Richard in Parma just after college graduation, and they wed July 7, 1963. She went on to sing in the church choir for many years (with her husband Richard) at Brecksville UMC and First United Methodist Church in Cleveland. Additionally she was the Children music director at Brecksville UMC and performed in many Musicals, often as the Lead. She took a position as Music Director at the Lawrence School and developed a beautiful program for the student population as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, joy, confidence, and emotional expression for the students at the Lawrence School in Broadview Heights. Carol spent her life selflessly giving to all around her, whether a family member, friend, student, or complete strangers. Above all, though, her endless devotion to creating a loving and happy home for her family was her greatest love and achievement. And while her legacy of love and generosity of spirit will live on with her surviving children and grandchildren, it will also live on forever in those she touched.

Richard was equally devoted to his family, friends, coworkers, and community. He had a life of love, service, and community involvement beginning at a young age with his family. The Sladky Family was very close; weekly Sunday dinners, visits to local relatives, and many family gatherings. Growing up in Parma and then Brecksville, Richard enjoyed many happy years with his three brothers and friends. He attended The Ohio State University, graduating with a Combustion Engineering degree, and was a member of the Ohio State Marching Band, a source of great happiness and pride. He there met many friends, and his best friends, the late James Whitford, Victor Erml, and William Hartman continue their friendship to this day, merging their families for many softball seasons, card nights, and even annual vacations. Being an OSU alumni was an important part of his persona post graduation, complete with a Brutus blow up mascot proudly in his front yard every season. Upon graduation Richard embarked on a long and fruitful career as a Combustion Engineer, following in his father, Charles Sladky's, footsteps. He applied his Engineering mind both in the field and at home, always at the ready to fix/modify/address any need. He and Carol created a fun, loving, and nurturing home for their three children (and many beloved pets) through selfless dedication of their time, love, and energy. His life, indeed, their life, was rich with happy memories, blessed relationships, and an everlasting dedication to each other and to their family.

A Co-Celebration of their lives will be held at Brecksville United Methodist Church, 65 Public Square, Brecksville, OH 44141 on Saturday, August 3, 2024 with visitation from 10:00-11:30 a.m. followed by a service at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a commemorative donation in Richard & Carol's name to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438, commemorating her sister Rita Rae Campbell would be appreciated.

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