Zachary Alexander Siek

Zachary Alexander Siek was born December 30, 1989, in Cleveland, to a family who welcomed him as the best Christmas gift ever, even if it was a few days late. He passed away on Dec. 21, 2025, at Southwest General Hospital in Middleburg Heights.

In between were 35 years and 355 days of courage, creativity and love.

We can give you the biographical facts of Zack’s life: He attended Brookpark Memorial Elementary, Ford Middle School and is a 2008 graduate of Berea High School. He attended and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Edinboro University of Erie, Pennsylvania.

But Zack was so much more than those biographical details. Despite being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic degenerative neuromuscular disease, as a toddler, Zack lived his life to the fullest. He graduated from college, thanks to incredible hard work and a disability-accessible program at Edinboro. He met comic book titan Stan Lee and hung out with him during a trip sponsored by the charity Earth Angels. He traveled around the U.S. as much as he could for someone who hates flying (with good reason - airlines are not kind to wheelchairs). He charmed everyone he met with his dry wit and wry sense of humor. He didn’t always have a lot to smile about in the last few years, but when loved ones could coax out his grin, it was magical.

Zack worked as a freelance graphic artist and filled his life with art - both that of his own creation and that of other artists he appreciated. He loved scouting out finds that reflected his interests in anime, comic books, science fiction, horror movies and graphic art. And even when he was confined to a bed, he filled his days by watching artists draw and create online. He won several art contests sponsored by artists he followed on Twitch and Instagram. Always a nostalgic soul, Zack loved and appreciated vintage advertisements and commercials for the products he remembered from childhood. Zack also loved Christmastime, and his loved ones always looked forward to his thoughtful gifts.

He is survived by parents Sheila Boyd-Siek and Gregory Siek, and sisters Stephanie and Natalie Siek. He also leaves to mourn his two dearest friends, Sean Trill and Bryan Tran, who came to visit Zack so often they no longer needed to ring the doorbell, they could just come in. After Zack lost his ability to speak due to being on a ventilator, it was Sean and Bryan who engineered solutions to help him communicate.

Zack was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mable and Harold Boyd and Dorothy and Stan Siek, his uncles Harold and Dwight Boyd, aunt Veronica Siek, and his ever-faithful service dog, Nemo.

Come celebrate Zack's life Saturday, January 3, 2026, in the Craciun funeral home 14925 Bagley Rd from 3-7 with remarks at 6pm. interment private