Nicholas Katanic

Nicholas Katanic, aged 73, of Bath Township, OH, passed away on January 28, 2026.

Nick was born on January 31, 1952, in Akron's North Hill neighborhood to Nicholas and Anna Sue (Polefrone) Katanic. He grew up surrounded by a large and loving extended Italian family, attended St. Martha's Elementary School, and St. Vincent High School, and was an alumnus of Kent State University and the University of Chicago Graham School.

Nick married his true love, Maureen Gaffney, on August 6, 1988. He promised her a Forever life together. And while their "Forever" here on earth was cut way too short by pancreatic and bile duct cancer, he kept his promise to love her Forever. Together, they raised their son, James, and grandson, Brandon. Their love for them is Forever and Always.

Nick spent 6 years teaching English in the Akron Public School System, including Central Hower High School and Perkins Junior High School. He expected the best from his students, and they responded in kind, going on to have successful careers. One of his greatest joys was being invited by his former students to attend their Perkins Junior High School class reunion, held during their 60th birthday year. While he loved teaching and working with his students, Nick wanted a change in his career. In 1980, he began a great business adventure by moving to Homer, Alaska to work for the National Bank of Alaska. Family obligations drew him back home to Akron, and he transitioned from banking to working for a small computer company in Cleveland, OH, before finding his way to IBM in 1984. At IBM, Nick had the pleasure of working with customers from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Roadway Express, and Hilton Hotels. He served in many roles at IBM, retiring in 2008.

In retirement, Nick immersed himself in his passion for gardening. He became a Master Gardener and created beautiful garden-rooms at his home including a secret woodland garden and a stunning, enclosed English-styled garden. Nick credits his volunteer experiences at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, from age 15 to today, for instilling in him his love for gardening. He was honored to have his gardens featured twice on the Summit County Master Gardeners Tour of Gardens, and on the Bath Volunteers for Service Home Tour; and he was privileged to receive the Garden Club of America Club Horticulture Commendation, presented to him by the Akron Garden Club.

In addition to gardening, Nick loved almost all genres of music and reading. Nick volunteered his time and business expertise with several community organizations including the Board of Directors of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, the Akron Art Museum, Great Trail Council, Summit County Master Gardeners, Catholic Youth Organization/Catholic Charities Summit County, Countryside, and Warriors Journey Home, as well as the Honors College Advisory Board at Kent State University. A life-long learner, Nick spent the last 8 years of his life taking on-line classes at the University of Chicago Graham School where he re-explored the Classics and delved into the Greeks and Romans. He was a member of St. Victor's Roman Catholic Church in Richfield, OH. Nick and Maureen were fortunate to be able to travel to many wonderful places during their marriage, but his favorite place was always home.

Nick was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Sue Katanic. He is survived by his brother, Joe Katanic (Diana) of Sparks, NV, his wife, Maureen Gaffney Katanic, his son, James R. Katanic (Katelynn) of Enid, OK, and his grandchildren, Brandon L. Erden, J.R. Katanic, Jr., and baby Katanic due in August.

Special thanks are extended to Dr. Molly Scantling, who ensured Nick's end-of-life wishes.

Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at St. Victor's Roman Catholic Church, 3435 Everett Road, Richfield, OH 44286. Burial will be at Ira Road Cemetery in Bath Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303; St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, 15 N. Maple Street, Akron, OH 44303; or your favorite charity.