GREGORY F. SZUCS , age 78.  Beloved husband of the late Alice M. (nee Nordquist); loving father of Gregory Jr. and Richard (Allison); cherished grandfather of Autumn and Tamrah; dear brother of Joseph (Lin Karl), Steve (Pam), and Ted (Marcy); devoted uncle of Joey Szucs, Jeremy Szucs (Laura), Rebecca Szucs, Rachael Streitman (Josiah), Meredith Flynn (James), Eric Niefert (Crystal), and Elizabeth Tapelt (Rodd).  US Coast Guard Veteran serving from 1967-1971.

Gregory F. Szucs was a devoted follower of Christ, whose love of the Lord was evidenced in his roles as a faithful and caring husband, dedicated father, loving grandfather, uncle, neighbor, and friend to many.

An extremely hard worker, a man of integrity, and one with the heart of a servant, he lived his life in the service of his LORD, his family, his neighbors, his country serving in the Coast Guard, his community, and all of those blessed to cross paths or be acquainted with him.  He always strived for perfection and once committed to any task, put forth his best effort.

He would offer much with no expectation of pay or anything in return which was his way of giving back and honoring the time, talents, and resources that were entrusted to him by God.  He often said he was paid in chickens, a bowl of soup, a six-pack of his favorite beer, an invite to a cookout or dinner—sometimes medical supplies for his wife.  He gave sacrificially with no expectation of anything in return.

His attention to detail and organization were unparalleled and he brought those skills to bear in anything he worked on to simplify his and the lives of those around him.

A mechanical genius, he had an innate ability and knack to work his way through any challenge or problem that might be presented not only in life but in all things mechanical that might need repairs or maintenance.  From cars to engines, model trains, home repairs, plaster, drywall, painting, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical; there wasn't a trade or skill that he didn't have some level of mastery or would shy away from rolling up his sleeves and figuring out.

Greg could often be found working in his neighborhood mowing, cleaning up city property at the opening of his development, working at a neighbor's house, front-porch sitting with a neighbor sharing some conversation and jokes, over a beer together.

He was trustworthy and his words were bonded in honesty, follow-through and a task completed.  He respected time, and punctuality—fifteen minutes early to an appointment was considered late.  He had to-do lists and was task-oriented to complete them and cross them off his list.

He cared for others over and above himself, was practical, frugal, and never spent more than he made. He planned for the future and had strong administrative abilities which served to make life smooth and streamlined.

Greg loved music and could play the piano, accordion, and organ.  He truly loved model trains and took pride in his collection of over 74 years.  He would have friends over to run trains together, repair and paint their trains and attend train shows and be out for a bargain often looking for 'golden treasures' in the boxes below the tables which most considered 'junk.'  He was fair in his dealings and loved to take broken down, tired non-functional railroad equipment and restore it to a condition that was often better than new.

His hobby and love of trains spun off into the realm of railfanning which he called 'railgating'.  He would sit trackside at the Berea Depot with his son and friends and count trains while enjoying fresh pastries, donuts, coffee, and breakfast cooked in cast iron on a couple of Coleman white gas stoves.  Greg never missed a Saturday and strung together 197 consecutive Saturdays in all forms of weather, rain, sleet, snow, bitter cold to -5 degrees where eggs would freeze before they could be cooked!  His favorite road was Canadian Pacific, and he could often be seen waving a Canadian Flag when they would pass by much to the satisfaction of the Engineers who would sound off a loud and pronounced Horn-Show.

Greg will be missed by many, but mostly by this guy.  My mentor, my buddy, and my best friend thank you for giving so freely and investing so much of your life and sharing your talents with me. Simply by living a hard-working, honorable, and meaningful life, I've been richly blessed to have known and shared in yours for all my 48 years on this earth.

The best is yet to be, I love you so much, till we meet again in Glory, your loving son--Rick

Friends may call at LATEK & RYBICKI, A GOLDEN RULE FUNERAL HOME, 7906 BROADVIEW RD. (corner of Broadview and Sprague Rds.), for VISITING HOURS: TUESDAY 3-7 PM .  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, March 27, at St. Matthias Church, 1200 W. Sprague Rd., Parma, at 10:00 AM. Please meet at church .  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.