Before his passing on Sunday, Stephen Schleis had forged an 84-year-old trail of laughter, generosity, compassion and wisdom. He was more than a role model to his family. He was a hero.

He raised his five children in a modest three-bedroom home that he and his wife built in Barberton. Their love made it a castle.

Steve broke his back serving in the Navy during World War II. For 30 years, he found comfort sleeping on the living room floor. Each morning, his children rolled him over so he could crawl to the corner and “walk” himself up the wall. Then we sent him off to work two factory jobs so we could afford private school and an in-ground swimming pool and basketball court on our quarter-acre lot — things he was far too busy to ever enjoy.

He wouldn’t eat until everyone in his household had their plates full. He never complained if he missed out on the apple pie or the warm rolls. Even at the end, confused by dementia and eating pureed food, he wouldn’t take a bite without whispering: “You first.” …

You can read the obit in it’s entirety by clicking HERE.

Enter Your Mail Address