Cyril (Cy) A. Slifka

YOUNGSTOWN – Cyril (Cy) A. Slifka, 94, of Youngstown passed away peacefully early Wednesday evening, September 15, 2021 at Park Vista Retirement Community with his family by his side.

Cyril, born on April 5, 1927, to Stephen and Marie (Willo) Slifka, was the youngest of six children. He attended The Rayen School until June of 1945. He met the love of his life there, Anna Zarlenga. They soon married.  On August 8, 1945 he enlisted in the Armed Forces where he proudly served his country.

 Cy, as he was affectionately called, was a dedicated employee of U.S. Steel Corporation (Ohio Works) from February 1951 until his retirement due to the decline in the steel industry in January 1982.  In August 1983, he began a second career.  Cy worked for the State of Ohio at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and as a special investigator for the Auditor of State until July 1992.  Cy taught his children through example.  His involvement, on many levels, made him an excellent role model. 

Because he was a man of deep faith, Cy was an active member of St. Edward Parish.  He was on the first Parish Council and chaired the Finance Committee for many years.  From childhood to adulthood, St. Edward Parish was an integral part of Cy’s life.  He was Past President of the Mission Club, supporter of the annual Claim Bake and a lay reader at weekend Masses.  Cy volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul soup kitchen.

He was a staunch believer that any child desiring a good Catholic education should have that opportunity.  He fought for the Catholic School teachers.  He encouraged the Diocese to increase their salaries and comparable to others.  He proudly saw his children; many grandchildren and even great grandchildren attend Catholic schools.

In 1960 Cy donned another “hat.”  He became a member of the Ursuline High School Athletic Booster Club and he never looked back.  In 1991 Cy was honored with a 25-year Service Award from the Booster Club.  In 2000 he was inducted into the Ursuline All Sports Hall of Fame as an honorary member for his outstanding commitment.  Cy attended meetings until his health failed a few years ago.

On a weekly basis, Cy volunteered as a reader for the Youngstown Radio Reading Service for the blind.  When he wasn’t reading, he was golfing or swimming.  Geneva on the Lake, Rowland Beach, block parties filled his summer days.  Together Cy and Ann nurtured and loved not only their children but anyone that arrived at their doorstep. 

To cherish these memories of an unselfish, caring father are his children, Richard (Meghan) of Allentown; Marie (Wayne) Brooke of Poland; Virginia (Rich) Billock of San Diego; David of Liberty Township; John (Valeria – Better Half) of Dillsburg, PA; Cyril Jr. (Laura) of Chicago and Steve (Michelle) of Murrells Inlet, SC.

As a grandfather, Cy was stellar.  He could often be spotted on the sidelines, right next to the coach, always respectfully silent.  Carrying on his legacy of high moral standards, integrity and the zest for life are his grandchildren, Rob, Tom, Emily, Krista Slifka, Courtnay (Doug) Chandler, Leslie Agee, Wayne R. (Sarah) Brooke, Brian (Kelly) Brooke, Janeace (Connor) McCluskey, Neil (Nicole) Billock, Eric (Leann) Billock, Traci (Andy) Edwards, David Slifka, Aaron Slifka, Step grandson, Craig Hughes, Tyler Slifka, Carly Slifka, John (Laurie) Slifka, Janeace Slifka and Marisa Slifka.

He could never keep track of his great grandchildren’ names.  These are their names, Mya, Brooke, Leanne, Patrick, Anna, Matthew, Harrison, Maggie, Logan, Reece, Dean, Bryn, Corinne, Gwenyth, Owen, Alaina, Faith, Grace, Stella, Elliana, and new granddaughter of John.  Cy also leaves many Zarlenga and Slifka nieces and nephews.

Preceded him in death his wife, Anna, his parents, and siblings, Mary Louise Grossman, Virginia Oehling, Veronica Hura, Adrian Slifka and John/Steve Slifka.

THANKS, DAD, FOR LOVING US!

The family will receive relatives and friends Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at St. Edward Church from 10 to 11:45 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Noon celebrated by Monsignor Robert Siffrin.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that a contribution please be made to Buckeye Hospice and Palliative Care, 3379 South Main Street, Suite A & B, Mineral Ridge, Ohio 44440 and/or Alzheimer’s East Ohio Chapter, 70 W. Streetsboro Street, Suite 210, Hudson, Ohio 44236 

Because of COVID-19, the family and funeral home are requesting that everyone in attendance please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Thank you.

The family would like to thank the caretakers of their father especially his primary caretaker, Missy DeMattio for their love, care, concern, and compassion extended to their father.

Thoughts and condolences may be sent to the funeral home website www.mccauleyfuneral.com.

Arrangements by The McCauley Funeral Home privileged to serve the valley for more than 119 years!

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