Ohio Township architect designed public landmarks
Like his hero, Frank Lloyd Wright, Gabe Kaclik left his architectural mark on the landscapes of Western Pennsylvania.
Mr. Kaclik, a registered architect, designed such notable buildings as the Police and Fire Academy in North Park, Steel Valley High School in Munhall and the marina in Moraine State Park.
John Gabriel "Gabe" Kaclik of Ohio Township and Punta Gorda, Fla., died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, in the Lee Memorial Trauma Hospital in Fort Myers, Fla., after being struck by a truck. He was 83.
Raised in East Vandergrift, Mr. Kaclik was one of six children in the family of steelworker John Kaclik and his wife, Mary Bandura Kaclik.
"As a boy, Dad often talked about visiting Fallingwater, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and how he wanted to be so much like him," said his daughter, Deb Kaclik of Charlotte.
"My father was also a man dedicated to his country. As soon as he graduated from Vandergrift High School in 1944, he enlisted in the Coast Guard during World War II. He was an active member of the American Legion and kept in touch with the men he served with."
Upon his discharge from the Coast Guard in 1946, Mr. Kaclik began taking classes at Carnegie Institute of Technology, now Carnegie Mellon University. In 1952, he married Dolores Grakalskis.
In the ensuing years, Mr. Kaclik was employed by the architectural firm Button and McLean, which he later acquired. He also established Kaclik & Graves, Architects, with a partner, Victor Graves.
In the late 1990s, he formed the J. Gabriel Kaclik Group and worked independently until his death.
Stephen Brady of the North Side recalled his uncle as an absolute leader who demanded excellence and led by example.
"Whatever project he took on, it had to be done right," Brady said. "There were no second-rate or marginal efforts. And this he passed on to his family and to those who put their trust in him."
The Kacliks' devotion to their grandchildren was extraordinary, said Deb Kaclik.
"My parents would leave for Florida after Thanksgiving, but would return in April to be able to participate in all of their grandchildren's school and summer activities," she said.
Mr. Kaclik was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Bellevue and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda, Fla.
In addition to his daughter, Deb, and his wife, Dolores, Mr. Kaclik is survived by his children, Kevin Kaclik of Freedom, Marte Novak of Hampton, Chris Kaclik of Mars and John Kaclik of Palm Beach, Fla.; and nine grandchildren.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday in St. Kilian's Catholic Church, Clark and Cherry streets, Mars. Arrangements are being handled by Stephen M. Brady Funeral Home, North Side.
