Cheri S. (Polechko) Acita

Cheri S. Acita, 72, of Southwest Greensburg, died Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville.  She was born May 18, 1953, in McKees Rocks, a daughter of the late Michael and Theresa (Vislay) Polechko.  She was a member of St. Paul Parish, Greensburg.  Cheri was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, mentor, and friend. She lived all of those roles with enthusiasm, kindness, and love. Cheri was the center of her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than being surrounded by her family. She found her truest happiness in the love and laughter of her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world. Her warmth, devotion, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered always.

Cheri and Tom built a beautiful life together. They set a remarkable example of love and partnership for their children. Their 45 years of marriage was full of adventures, both with each other, as well as with their four children. As a couple, they loved to travel, and they instilled that love of exploring new places in their children. Her children have relied on her guidance and unwavering support following in her footsteps in their careers, sense of adventure, and love of life. Cheri’s grandchildren were her pride and joy. Susanna, Wesley and Emma called her Mim, and she beamed with pride hearing their voices. 

Cheri was a graduate of Iowa Wesleyan University in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa where she received a degree in Art Education. For decades Cheri shared her many gifts as an art teacher in the Diocese of Greensburg. She was the art teacher at St. Paul’s, St. Bruno’s, and Mother of Sorrows Schools, later teaching at Aquinas Academy before joining Greensburg Central Catholic High School in 2000. She retired from GCC after 15 years of dedicated service. Even in her retirement, she continued to work as a part time pre-school aide at Queen of Angels Catholic School. 

Over the years, she inspired hundreds of students with her passion for the arts, her enthusiasm, and her belief in the power of creativity. She encouraged her students to trust their instincts, think differently, and carry that creative confidence into every part of life. She formed genuine, lasting connections with her students- the kind that shaped their lives well beyond the classroom and inspired many future career paths. She treated all her students with dignity and judgement free love. For many she was more than a teacher, she was a refuge for her students, a gentle guide who offered sanctuary in the welcoming walls of her art room. She touched so many children of all ages. Her own children were given the unique and special gift of having their mother as their art teacher.  

Cheri is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Thomas A. Acita; four children, Emily Croft (Benjamin), Molly Juliussen (Dan), Gabriel Acita (Jamie), and Rafael Acita; three grandchildren, Susanna, Wesley, and Emma; two brothers, Michael Polechko (Kathleen Ceroni) and David Polechko; her sister, Susette Thomas (Robert); and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Family and friends will be received from 3 PM to 7 PM Wednesday at the LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Thursday in St. Paul Parish, 820 Carbon Rd., Greensburg.  Please go directly to the church.  Interment will follow at Greensburg Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Queen of Angels Catholic School, Mother of Sorrows School, or an animal shelter of your choice.  www.bachafh.com

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