Steven J. Kekedy

Steven J. Kekedy July 17, 1937 – November 10, 2025. Born in Eger, Hungary to Eszter Kekedy and Istvan Szeplaki (both deceased). Steven, his sister and brothers were raised in a home filled with love by Eszter and step-father Tamas Kapolnasi (deceased).

Loving husband of Katherina (deceased), dearest father of Michaela Agnes, Steven (Debby) and Richard; devoted grandfather of Michael, Melissa (Brice), Daniel (Julia) and Allyson; adoring great-grandfather of Asa, dear brother of Eszter Kapolnasi Mayer (deceased), Tamas (Ilonka) Kapolnasi, Gyula Kapolnasi (deceased) and Marton Kapolnasi, uncle to many and loving brother-in-law and cousin to several in Hungary.

Steven was an eyewitness and Freedom Fighter in the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 until the Soviets 2nd round invasion crushed the hopes and lives of so many of his peers. He and several close friends survived a harrowing journey across the country to escape into Austria and from there arrived as an immigrant to the US. Katherina’s parents and brother welcomed him into their home in Connecticut. They met at Christmas that year and were married in 1962. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary shortly before her passing.

He moved with his future wife and her family to Cleveland and he worked initially with her uncle Leslie Linka’s store, the International Import House on Buckeye Road in Cleveland. A precision machinist by trade, he was quickly hired by Lucas Machine and later Sine Tool, often working two jobs in subsequent years.

The couple’s first company was Rubber Preforming Inc., and later, founded S.K. Industries, a custom machine shop currently run by his sons.

He also was a founding member alongside his wife of the Geauga Magyar Club and continued to be an integral part when it merged with the St. Stephen Athletic Club to form Hungarian Cultural Center of Northeastern Ohio. He served in many volunteer capacities in 1979-2023, from the master laci chef at summer picnics, planning and executing the expansion of the facilities and other improvements on the 40-acre property, and as Vice-President, Trustee, and Building Fund Manager for many years.

For the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, Steven and several other Hungarian community leaders led the committee to raise funds, purchase and install with the aid of his two sons the commemorative statue of a young Hungarian freedom fighter in Mindszenty Plaza at E. 13 and Lakeside in downtown Cleveland and maintain it overs subsequent years.

He was able to travel to Hungary in 1977 with Katherina, in 2003 and again in 2006 with his son, kept in touch with many relatives in Hungary over the years with letters, phone calls and video chats.

Having a variety of skills, Steven built 3 of the 4 homes he owned with Katherina and enjoyed creating beautiful gardens around them. He also was passionate about raising wonderful orchids. He loved spending time with his family and had many long-lasting friendships, especially among the former refugees.

Friends and family are welcome to St. John Funeral Home, 16381 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 on Thursday, November 13 from 3 P.M. – 7 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 14 at St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury, OH 44065 at 11 A.M. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Burial will follow at Shadyside Cemetery in Auburn Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Steven to the Hungarian Cultural Center of Northeastern Ohio, PO Box 23528, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.

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