Stephen J Naklizki

Stephen J. Naklizki, age 84, passed peacefully at home in North Ridgeville, on September 24, 2026. Stephen is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy (nee Miller), his daughters Karen Naklizki and Nancy Lynn Delac (Matt), and his son John Naklizki (Tracy) along with his cherished grandkids, Kristine Bradley (Eric), Colin Naklizki (Alaina), Connor Naklizki (fiancé Emily), Kacey Naklizki (fiancé Ross), Madison Delac and Kyle Naklizki.

Steve was born on May 6, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Steven J. Naklizki Jr. and Emily Miska. His late sister, Judith, joined the family two years later. He attended St. Edward High School and was a proud member of the football team and graduated in 1960. As a young man, he also enjoyed learning to play accordion, was a dedicated altar boy and enjoyed attending co-ed dances sponsored by the local Catholic high schools. It was at one of these dances that he met the love of his life, Nancy Miller. Steve and Nancy married on May 25, 1963.

Steve and Nancy started their family just a couple of years later with the arrival of their first daughter Karen. They would go on to settle down in Brook Park, Ohio where they would later welcome their second daughter, Nancy Lynn, and finally their son John would complete their family. It was during these early years that the couple became members of their lifetime parish, St. Adelbert Church of Berea.

Steve started his career at Eaton Corporation on the loading docks at the age of 17. He then entered the world of printing from setting the machines, to shop management and later was the corporate print manager. In 2004, he retired after 45 years with the same company.

Outside of work, Steve’s love of family, sports and music were the main source of his devotion, time and entertainment. He was extremely proud of his Polish heritage and would often jokingly call himself the “Polish Prince”. In younger years, he loved attending polka dances and spinning his wife around the dance floor. Later in life, he would bring down his accordion to entertain his grandkids, attend dances even when it was just to listen, and always made sure to catch Molly B’s Polka Party on TV. Steve was an avid bowler and softball player who enjoyed participating in many different leagues throughout his lifetime and continued to play and coach both baseball and softball. One of his biggest softball accomplishments was pitching a Perfect Game in the ASA Industrial Men’s Open on July 26, 1972. He was a dedicated Cleveland sports fan, but truly loved all sports, and especially loved hearing the play by play from his son and grandsons when they all started to play football.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 1st, from 4-7pm at A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Home, 18149 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts (West of I-71).

Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, October 2nd at 11am at St. Adalbert Parish, 66 Adalbert St., Berea. – PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY AT THE CHURCH. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.