JURECZKO, WASYL

Wasyl Jureczko of New Haven died November 30, 2018 at his home. He was the husband of the late Mary Kobylanski Jureczko. Born in Dubno, Ukraine, January 26, 1926 a son of the late Nicholas and Katherine Jureczko, he was a track foreman at Metro-North Railroad for 27 years before retiring in 1991. Beloved Tato to Olga Jureczko Furmanek and her husband Bernie, Myron Jureczko, Lida Jureczko Russell and her husband Keith and Olena Jureczko Murphy and her husband Daniel. Brother of Sophia, Maria and Katerina and the late Ivan, Stephan and Anna all of the Ukraine. Four grandchildren and a great-grandson survive him. At the age of 15, Wasyl was taken from his family and sent to Germany where he spent the next seven years laboring as a farm hand until the end of the war. He arrived in the United States via Ellis Island in 1953 seeking a better life becoming a citizen of the United States in 1959. Wasyl and his late wife Mary were parishioners of St Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church where he remained an active member until his passing. He and his 4 children joined CYMA - a Ukrainian American Youth Association and he also served briefly on the Knights of Columbus. He loved his church and his Ukrainian heritage and instilled the values of hard work and integrity in his family. Wasyl spoke Ukrainian, Polish and German and was beloved for his vibrant and positive outlook, dubbed a “sweetheart” by all who met him. He enjoyed watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and western movies, fried fish sandwiches and soccer games, Ellenville, impromptu visits and prior to losing his mobility, trips to the “Uke” section of New York City via train, but mostly he simply enjoyed people. Wasyl’s son Myron was tireless in his devotion to his care for the last 10 years of his life, transporting him with his wheelchair to functions near and far right up to his passing.

Visiting hours will be MONDAY morning from 8-9:15 in the LUPINSKI FUNERAL HOME, INC., 821 State Street in New Haven. Divine Funeral Liturgy (PANAHYDA) in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (George Street) at 10. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers kindly make memorial contributions to St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church 569 George Street New Haven, CT 06511. Sign Mr. Jureczko’s guestbook online at www.lupinskifuneralhome.com.