John P. Sedlak
John P. Sedlak, founder of Sedlak Interiors in Solon, Ohio, died Tuesday at age 87.
Sedlak built the upscale home furnishings business, starting from one room in an apartment building on the east side of Cleveland in 1947, expanding to the entire four-story building and then taking additional nearby buildings, including an old church.
In 1989, he had the vision to move the store to Solon and create a "Street of Dreams" concept featuring 26 galleries and lifestyle areas in 100,000 square feet of a 157,000-square-foot building.
In 2004, Sedlak was interviewed for a story about his store becoming an early promoter of made-in-America home furnishings in the wake of a rising tide of imports.
The story noted that during World War II, Sedlak served in the Army's 222nd Infantry Regiment, a group that had recently received a presidential citation for extraordinary heroism. The honor stemmed from a night in January 1945 when under heavy enemy fire in France, the undermanned regiment held its position despite losing 237 men.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy, president of Sedlak Interiors; five children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Seven of his family members spanning three generations continue to operate the store. They are, in addition to Dorothy Sedlak, sons Jeff and Jack Sedlak, daughters Jan Sedlak and June Mooney, daughter-in-law Anita Sedlak and grandson Charles Sedlak
"John's passion for the home furnishing business was unique, and he will be missed by many," Jack Sedlak said.
A wake will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Homes of South Euclid, 4600 Mayfield Rd., South Euclid, Ohio 44121. A mass will be held Monday, April 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Gesu Catholic Church, 2490 Miramar Blvd., University Heights, Ohio 44118. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 480 Highland Road, Northfield, Ohio 44067.
Memorial donations may be made to the Carmelite Nuns, 3176 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 or the Ursuline Nuns, 2600 Lander Road, Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124.
