Nick Zaklanovich

Nick Zaklanovich

September 14, 1953 - February 8, 2026

HUDSON - Nick passed away suddenly and was extremely unexpected, leaving his loving wife of 30 years, Allyn Marzulla, stunned and deeply saddened.

Nick was born and grew up in Akron, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicola and Ann Zaklanovich, as well as his precious daughter, Katie Zaklanovich Sever, in 2021.

Nick is survived by his wife, Allyn Marzulla; daughter, Mary Zaklanovich (Ralfiel Fragoza); son-in-law, Kiel Sever; sister, Nancy Sheppard (Vicki Sheppard), as well as his niece, Nicole Oser (Jim Oser).

My strength now is coming from being reaffirmed on how many people loved him, too, and thought so highly of him - as a good friend and as one neighbor/friend tagged him, “a quiet giant.” I did always think of him as possessing such an aura, as I witnessed his calming spirit from the first moment I met him. Nick was always willing to help and was committed to doing the right thing.

Nick spent over 30 years working as a manufacturing engineer at Foseco in Brook Park, a Division of Vesuvius, USA, finding solutions for manufacturing, through electronic controls, to produce products used in the steel industry. I don’t think he ever said “no” or “wait” to anyone’s request to help when asked to get a manufacturing line working again or tasked to take on special engineering or plant planning projects.

I recall many a night or weekend where I would sit waiting for him when he said, “I just need to stop in and check on something,” or try to get the kiln back up, and we did not leave for hours until he found a way to make it work again. Nick would even come to the aid of people in the offices to help them with Excel spreadsheets or to find their “lost” files or stalled computer systems.

Nick had an uncanny talent to think things through to the end success. His trained and organized brain was like a sponge. He was able to understand the process and recall whatever technical fact he needed. Some of Nick’s capital company projects took him to Brazil, Germany, and as far as Japan.

The most surprising expression of his personality was when Nick followed me as a volunteer at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, and in a few years, he became one of the most knowledgeable and beloved tour guides through the Manor House, (finishing on his allotted time frame), as well as mentoring some new volunteers. He had such a mind for absorbing and being able to recall and share interesting facts with the guests.

Nick got so animated and excited to show the tour guests special rooms and share with them all the appropriate and interesting stories and facts to them. They made him even more animated when he witnessed their excitement and curiosity. His “Nooks and Crannies” tour was his favorite, although the Gardens tour was a close second, and his excitement was very much appreciated by the guests. Nick recently was a member and treasurer for the Auxiliary of Stan Hywet, focused on earning revenue to donate for the estate’s needs.

Nick also developed his “History First Hand” character, the beloved Luther, the houseman for Stan Hywet Hall, who lived in the 1920’s time frame. He carried his plumber’s wrench and hammer in his overalls so he could fix whatever was needed.

Luther said he was “sweet on” Lottie, the lady’s maid, who is me, (Allyn). We both spoke separately with the Akron Public School children, as well as adult members of Stan Hywet, to talk about our background before coming to Akron. Nick would explain his work for the Seiberlings and life as staff in the Manor House. The children were captivated with Luther! Who would have thought this quiet, kind, thoughtful man was also able to flip a switch and perform as he did, even as Father Moss in a murder in the Mansion play.

Another important segment of his life was volunteering at the Hudson Community Television Station for more than twenty years. He was the Chair of HCTV Advisory Committee and Treasurer for the Friends of HCTV for a similar tenure. He loved helping the Station Manager, Dan, and staff, along with interns and other fellow volunteers to help produce a variety of sports games, concerts, plus some city and community events.

Nick accumulated his own cameras and audio equipment over the years and recorded relevant talks at Stan Hywet as well. Together, Nick and I produced a few documentaries with the talented historian, Tom Vince, on camera and other events, such as Art on the Green.

However, his most favorite assignment was operating the replay equipment at HCTV for as many of the Hudson High School sports games and concerts whenever he was needed and available to man the board.

To Nick, the ultimate “hallowed ground” is the Indianapolis Speedway since he caught the racing fan fever back in the 1980s. His favorite, all-time best Indy car driver is Rick Mears. We went to many races when there were race tracks closer to home, in Cleveland, at the Lake Front Burke Airport, at Mid-Ohio’s beautiful track, near Lexington, Ohio, and Michigan International Racetrack, (where I first joined him and shared on the excitement). Formula One and Nascar were included in Nick’s thrill of the race and the drivers and overall team drama.

But his sweetest and proudest love was for his two daughters, Mary (who is a mirror to some of Nick’s intellectual talents), and who is a valuable employee for Summit Racing as a corporate trainer, and Katie, who sadly passed away at only age 32, from melanoma cancer in January of 2021. She was a creative talent, schooled as an interior designer, and had a shortened, but recognized career as a kitchen designer for Lowe’s. I’m sure Nick has already joined Katie in heaven.

I have to add how Nick would always hug our young dog, Archie, and say, “I just love this little guy.” I echo this pronouncement, but I am declaring and focusing on my sweetheart, my dear husband, Nick . . . I and all your friends will miss you forever.

Pastor Dan Page will conduct a memorial service Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 3 PM, at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, 44224, where friends may call from 1 PM, until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:

The non-profit Friends of Hudson Community TV, HCTV

Here is the link to their website and click on the donation section:

friendsofhctv.org

Or to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron:

stanhywet.org/donate