Slavko "Scott" Talev's Obituary
Slavko “Scott” Nikola Talev, 79, of Syracuse, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bitola, Macedonia, son of the late Nikola and Blaga (Atanasova) Talev, he immigrated to the United States as a teenager with his family in 1960.
He began working at Julius Resnick Pocketbook Factory once his family settled in Syracuse. Soon afterwards, he and his family opened Taleff’s Market, a grocery store on Tipperary Hill. Alongside his father and older brother, they ran the store for several years. During this time, Scott visited family and friends in Macedonia, where he met his wife. After they wed, they returned to Syracuse and began their family. He continued his career by starting Onondaga Paper & Twine with his brothers, Kosta, and Steve, in downtown Syracuse, where he worked until 2020. In addition, he used his entrepreneurial mind and passion for business and investing to open Courthouse News and Deli in Columbus circle with his wife and was involved in numerous real estate ventures and investments over his lifetime. He enjoyed studying and investing in the stock market, as well as discussing investing, economics, and business.
He valued hard work and honesty, thereby capturing the respect of many that he encountered in his decades working in the area. He had a true passion for his work and valued his relationships with his customers, always striving to make someone smile or find something to laugh about.
He was a kind and generous man who was devoted to his family, committed to the success of his children, and raising them with limitless guidance and support. He was eager to help those that he could – whether it was related to family, friends, or business - he would often share words of wisdom and advice, in hopes of elevating those around him.
Scott enjoyed his work, long conversations, projects around the house and yard, and vacationing in Marco Island. Above all, he loved spending time with his family. His favorite times involved gathering the family for holidays and sharing a home cooked meal at the home he and his wife built. He especially loved his grandchildren and delighted in watching them grow. He was truly cherished and will be missed by many.
Scott was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church and St. George’s Macedonian Orthodox Church.
Scott is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Nada (Gorgievska) Talev; children, Maria (Fred) Engell, Alexander (Amber) Talev, and Christina (Adam) Legg; grandchildren, Zaida, Anastasia, Damon, Zachary, and Dahlia; brothers, Kosta (Lence), Steve (Susan), John (Cathy), and Peter (Terry) Talev; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral service in celebration of Scott’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. in St. George’s Macedonian Eastern Orthodox Church, 5083 Onondaga Rd., Syracuse, with burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Monday, November 13, 2023, from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M., with a Trisagion service to take place at 6:00 P.M., at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY 13212.
The family would like to extend a thank you to all of those involved with Scott’s care.
Contributions in Scott’s memory may be made to Paige’s Butterfly Run at pbrun.org/donate or by mail to 50 Presidential Plaza Ste LL3, Syracuse, NY 13202.
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