MARTIN STEVE KLAYKO

MARTIN S. KLAYKO age 74. Beloved husband of Margaret (nee Diebolt). Loving father of Michael Klayko, Angelique Griffin (Adam) and Rose Seed. Former father in law of Irena Klayko. Cherished grandfather of Michael Klayko, Josh Klayko, Riley Griffin, Shamus Griffin, Tristan Griffin, Amelia Seed and Summer Seed. Dear brother of Ida Szabo, Albert “Mike” Klayko and the late Verna Lukens, Lawrence Klayko, Hannah Brown and Agnes Manning.

Marty was an amazing husband, father, son and brother. He was the youngest of seven Klayko siblings and was well loved by all of them. He played the bugle in the Drum and Bugle Core in high school in Ebensburg, PA, where the family grew up. He graduated from junior college in Johnstown, PA and then God led him west to Cleveland. In Cleveland, he got his Accounting degree at Dyke College. While working at the New York Central Transport Company he met the love of his life, Marge. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in December of 1970 and last year celebrated 50 years together.

He started his family off with his rambunctious son, Michael, who considers Marty his biggest role model. Five years later, life was spiced up when his identical twin daughters, Angelique and Rose, joined the family. Marty’s keen hearing trumped the doctor's knowledge, knowing that Marge had two buns in the oven despite the OB assuring them it was just one big bun!  The Klayko family of five made a cozy bungalow in Lakewood their family home until he found a wonderful home in North Olmsted that better met their needs.  This wonderful home and great yard became the foundation of many of the family's fondest memories. He made sure that everyone had what they needed and many things they wanted. Marty worked hard for his family.   A majority of his working life was at Midwest Steel and Alloy, a great family-owned business that treated Marty and his family like their family.

Marty's seven grandchildren were the shine in his eyes! He tried to get all the kids interested in his favorite hobby, golf, and although we don't have any professional golfers to speak of, we hope they will come to enjoy the game and think of their grandfather lovingly while looking for lost balls in tall grass!

Marty and Marge worked together to make sure that they were examples of love and faith for their family and friends. Marty’s faith was a source of inspiration and comfort throughout his life. Along with Marge, he was blessed to be able to share his love of God and his faith with many at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in North Olmsted. As a couple, they were part of many programs and groups including the PSR program and Disciples on the Journey, engaging with fellow parishioners of all ages.

If you were lucky enough to have met Marty, you know he was very kindhearted and had a smile and friendly handshake for anyone he met. He would help anyone he could without expecting anything in return. He was as honest as the day is long! If you were blessed to know Marty, you knew he was a genuine family man. He did everything for his family with love. He helped nurture a love of the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Cavaliers in his kids resulting in too many trips to count to the ballpark and arena. One of the fondest memories the family has is of going to the World Series in 1997 with last minute tickets, that he surely paid far too much for, but with the snow swirling, amazing comradery in the crowd and a late-inning drive the Tribe brought home a WIN we will all never forget!

Marty and Marge were able to enjoy several trips over the years together with the family and as a couple. The last trip they were able to take together was to the Holy Land where they were blessed to renew their wedding vows at Cana. As we, his family, mourn his passing, we are blessed to remember him for all that he was. We will strive for the rest of our lives to be as compassionate, loving and kind as he showed us to be. Go Tribe!

Mass of Christian Burial, St. Brendan’s Church, 4242 Brenden Lane, North Olmsted, Monday October 25, 2021 at 10:00 AM. (EVERYONE MEET AT CHURCH). Friends received (WITH MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCING) Sunday 1 – 3 PM at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH (West of I-71).

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