Gayle A. Risko

Gayle A. Risko, age 76 of Mentor, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Cleveland Clinic – Hillcrest Hospital, Mayfield Heights surrounded by her loved ones. She was born March 21, 1949 in Cleveland. Gayle lived a life strong in her faith and was an example to follow amongst her family, friends and local community. She promoted words of kindness and unity with one another. She was a true believer in the old saying “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. She was genuine, caring, loving and made everybody feel important and welcome. Gayle retired from Lincoln Electric where she worked in the Customer Service andCredit departments. She was a devout Catholic and member of St. John Vianney Church. Her hobbies included baking, playing pinochle, bingo, church festivals (especially the pull tab tent) and the casinos. One rite of passage for the grandchildren is when they became age eligible to play Bingo and join Grandma. The louder you yelled Bingo - the more she cheered for you. Slot machines (especially the Stampeding Buffalos) were her favorite casino game but she was open to trying her luck at other games of chance. Parties and gatherings at her house were always a treat as she was an outstanding cook and baker. Fan favorites were her apple strudel, lamb cakes and cookies. Every meal at her house left you fulfilled and happy. Survivors include her husband of 57 years: Martin S. Risko; children: Martin D. (Laurel) Risko, Tracy (David) Risko-Schied, Debrah (Jason) Kline and Tracy Marincek; grandchildren: Luke and Joshua Risko, Trevor (Sarah Kraska) Schied, Dylan (Priyanka Nanavaty-Schied) Schied, Dwight (Jackie) Schied, Jon Schied, Lee Ann (Dallas) Cott, Jacey Luzny, Griffin Kline and Daphne Kline; great-grandchildren: Freya, David and Corbin and brothers: Len (Maggie Motter) Dezelan and Dennis (Diane) Dezelan. Preceding Gayle in death are her parents, Frank and Anne Dezelan. The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 pm Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave. Mentor, OH, 44060 A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd. Mentor, OH. 44060. Interment will be in All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, OH. The family requests contributions be made to A Special Wish Foundation Northeast Ohio, 23 Public Square, Brecksville, OH 44141, www.aspecialwishneo.org Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Gayle A. Risko

March 21, 1949 - July 2, 2025