04/06/2017

Obituary for Jeffrey A. Lansky, Sr.

Husband of Funeral Director and Director of Operations, Mary Ferfolia Lansky, Ferfolia Funeral Home

The Honorable Jeffrey A. Lansky, Sr., former Mayor of the City of Maple Heights, age 57, died March 30th surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with heart disease. Beloved husband of 25 years and best friend of Mary A. (Nee Ferfolia); Cherished dad of Allyson Newell-Binekey (Kevin), Megan Flyer (Zachary), Colleen Newell (Sean Kaplan) and Jeffrey A. Jr. and favorite grandpa of Donna Newell; Loving son of Dorothy and the late Martin C. Lansky; Dear brother of Mary Ann Bunjevac (Milan) and Martin (Aileen); Most loved son-in law of Alice and the late Donald L. Ferfolia; Dearest brother-in-law of Donald B. Ferfolia (Margaret), Donna Lang Arenschield (late Richard) and Mark Ferfolia (Christine); Loving uncle, great-uncle, cousin, friend and inspiration to many. Jeff was a dedicated and tireless public servant for the City of Maple Heights and its residents. He was elected District 7 Councilman (1987-1991), Council President (1991-2003) Mayor, City of Maple Heights (December 2007-December 2015). Throughout his years of service he was named one of Ohio's Finest Public Servants by the Ohio Senate, one of Ohio's Outstanding Citizens by the House of Representatives as well as an Outstanding Young man of America. Jeff was the recipient of Cleveland State University's David C. Sweet Outstanding Elected Official Award, Jeff was a field representative for the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. earning Defender Status for funds raised, recipient of the Beechbrook Hearts of Hope Award for working with at risk children, recognized on the Wall of Tolerance, Montgomery, Alabama, for contributions to youth promoting tolerance and patience, was honored with the Man of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and was nominated by the late Congressman Steven LaTourette for the Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Public Library Foundation. A tireless champion for the youth of Maple Heights, Mayor Lansky could often be seen attending sporting events and awards ceremonies. He took the time to get to know the students and their families. Through the years countless students were recognized by the Mayor for their achievements at City Council Meetings but most special to Jeff were the invitations to family celebrations which he attended with pride. As a family, we would like to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, the doctors and nurses who took care of Jeff. We are so blessed to have had the brightest and most brilliant minds in medical care from University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic collaborate on his treatment and care. We are forever grateful to you all! Jeff lived in fierce pursuit of the truth, choosing at times the path less traveled, the courageous path. His family suggests donations in his name to the Jeffrey A. Lansky Legends of Courage Scholarship. Funeral was Wednesday, at FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 W. Aurora Rd. (ST RT 82) SAGAMORE HILLS. Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Jeff's life was at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Interment All Saints Cemetery.