Kenneth C. Mako

Kenneth C. Mako, 67, of Wickliffe died on February 10, 2017 after a lengthy stay at a long term care facility. He was born in Cleveland on January 17, 1950, the son of the late Emery and Eileen Mako, and the third of nine children. Ken earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 15. He graduated from St. Joseph High School at age 16 and recently enjoyed attending the 50th reunion of the Class of 1966. He studied to become a Marianist Catholic priest at Chaminade Preparatory School in Marcy, NY but returned to secular life to study philosophy at the University of Dayton by 1969. Ken earned a B.S. in Math from Ohio State and an M.S. in Math from the University of Dayton by 1973. Ken began a teaching career at St. Paul’s College in Melbourne, Australia, in 1974. However, in 1975, a serious motorcycle accident in Australia changed Ken’s life dramatically. His survival and recovery were miraculous, but the injuries frustrated his attempts to regain employment and independence. He returned to live with family in Willoughby until 2009, when he became a resident at Wickliffe Country Place. Ken had a passion for theatre which was kindled in high school. He enjoyed performing in numerous plays and musicals with various groups throughout college and in Australia. Despite his many physical handicaps, he continued to be involved in the theatre in the 80’s and 90’s throughout northeast Ohio. Survivors are his siblings, Gail (George) Golga, Karen (Jeffrey) Borsz, David Mako, Janet (David) McFadden, Robert (Julie) Mako, Christine (Michael) Monty, and Thomas (Susan) Mako; 17 nieces and nephews; 6 great nieces and nephews, and his sister-in-law, Karlene Mako. Besides his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald. An expert at anagrams, Ken’s final message would likely be “speculating freely” (resting peacefully). The family will receive friends from 4-8 pm Thursday, February 16, 2017 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave. Mentor, OH 44060. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, OH 44060. Please meet at the church. Send flowers and offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Kenneth C. Mako

January 17, 1950 - February 10, 2017