11/17/2016

Obituary for Stephen J. Sekeres, Sr.

Retired funeral director and OFDA member

Stephen J. Sekeres, Sr., age 90, of North Canton, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 11, 2016, at the Aultman Compassionate Care Center. He was born in Canton, Ohio, on May 6, 1926, to the late, Frank and Gizella (Hagymasi) Szekeres. He was a 1944 graduate of Timken Vocational High School and was a veteran of the US Army, where he was wounded while serving in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign during WWII where he received the Bronze Star. Steve was a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 67 years and was the former owner of the Sekeres Funeral Home and Welch-Sekeres Funeral Home in Canton. He was a lifetime member of the Calvin Presbyterian Church (now known as the Family Christian Center). Steve was a member of the Session, Canton Lodge #60 F. & A. M., Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Nazir Grotto, American Legion Post #44, Floyd Hughes Post #693 of the VFW, life member of DAV St. Mihiel Chapter #6, FOE McKinley AERIE #2370, North Canton Elks Lodge #2029, and was a past president of the OFDA District #16,   

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Jean (Hill) Sekeres in 1996; daughter, Nancy Yelvington in 2006; second wife, Betty (Wade) Sekeres in 2014; and brother, Frank Sekeres.

Steve is survived by his son, Stephen J. (Becky) Sekeres, Jr. of North Canton; granddaughters, Keirsten Sekeres and Stephanie (Brian) Klopfenstein both of Florida; great-grandson, Lyrik Klopfenstein; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 12:00 PM, at the Family Christian Center (1658 Superior Ave. NE, Canton, OH 44705) with Pastor Fred Bays, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery. Canton Lodge #60 F. & A. M. will conduct a Masonic Service at 9:45 AM, at the church. Family and friends may call two hours prior to the service, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s memory to the Aultman Compassionate Care Center (2821 Woodlawn Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708). Services entrusted to the Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home of North Canton, Ohio (330-452-4041).