Our Church was recently notified regarding the sad news of the passing of Joseph Sekerak, who fell asleep in the Lord on February 26, 2025.
Joseph Sekerak, age 92 of Independence, Ohio, beloved husband of Helen (nee Kormos). Dear father of Tanya Soeder (Scot), Natalia Boyd (Jeffrey) and Lisa Lyon (Samuel). Loving grandfather of Mary Schutt (Fred), Alexander Boyd, Elena Boyd, Samuel Lyon (Ally) and Jesse Lyon. Great grandfather of Michael Geller (Rachel). Brother of Michal (deceased), Helena Kormos (Juraj) (both deceased) and John Sekerak (Jeannette) (both deceased). Dear uncle, great uncle, and family to many in America and Slovakia.
Visitation Sunday March 2, 2025 from 2-6 p.m. at Archangel Michael Orthodox Church 5025 E. Mill Rd. Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147. Closing Parastas Service will begin at 5:30 p.m.
SERVICES AT THE CHURCH ON TUESDAY MARCH 4, 2025 AT 9:45 A.M. followed by an Interment at Ohio Western Reserve Cemetery at 12:15 p.m. A repast lunch at Woodside Event Center located behind Archangel Michael Orthodox Church will be held after the return from the cemetery. PLEASE NOTE SERVICE DAY IS TUESDAY NOT MONDAY.
Joseph was born in 1932 in the small village of Bajerovce, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia), nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. His childhood was spent shepherding cows and sheep, tending crops, and attending school. During this time, Joe’s father had left for the United States to work but was unable to return home due to the war, spending about a decade away.
Joe’s youth was shaped by the events of World War II. He witnessed frontline battles in his village as German and Russian forces alternated control. He also saw the forced evacuation of the village’s Jewish shop owner and his family.
At the age of 14, Joe immigrated to the United States with his mother and brother John, joining their father in Cleveland. In 1952, Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.
During a visit to Bajerovce in 1957, Joe became reacquainted with his future wife, Helena, who lived and taught in the village. They married in January 1959 on a snowy winter day and soon sailed to the U.S. to begin their new life together. Settling in Cleveland and later Seven Hills, they raised three daughters while maintaining a close bond with his brother’s family.
Joe had a successful career through the age of 81, working at Perfection Stove, Van Dorn, Energy Conservation, and BPS Products, where he served as co-owner and President. He was a master at building relationships with customers and colleagues. As a dedicated parishioner of Archangel Michael parish, Joe enjoyed his roles as VP of the Trustee’s, Bingo worker, and as a member of the Men’s Club and 55+ Club.
Joe found joy in golfing, reading, skiing, bowling, traveling, playing cards, gardening, and chopping wood—fittingly, as “Sekerak” translates to “axeman” in Slovak. Above all, Joe cherished time with his family, especially trips back to Slovakia. His grandchildren, Alex and Elena, hold dear their memories with Dido and Baba in Bajerovce.
Joe’s warm and engaging personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He made friends wherever he went, sharing his love of life and his ever-present sense of humor. His lifelong passion was preserving and sharing Rusyn culture and heritage—a legacy he has proudly passed on.
“I was, am, and will remain Rusyn.” “Ja Rusyn byl, jesm I budu. “ – Aleksander Duchnovic
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Archangel Michael Orthodox Church. Alternately, donations can be made to the Orthodox church in Bajerovce (contact Natalie Boyd or Tanya Soeder to make arrangements for this donation).
May Joseph’s memory be eternal!
