Mr. John Lewkovich

September 18, 1918 - June 05, 2009

John Lewkovich passed away in his sleep on Friday morning, June 5, 2009, having completed his journey of 90 years. John was born in Binghamton on September 18, 1918 to Peter and Katherine (Milchanosky) Lewkovich, Ukrainian immigrants to the United States.
He is survived by his sister; Mary (Lewkovich) Junko of Johnson City, a niece; Katherine (Junko) Matson, her husband John and their daughters; Natalie, Julia, and Lydia of Canton, MI, as well as a nephew; Theodore Junko, his wife Swain (Mills) and their son; Ted, of Manlius. He is also survived by cousins in Johnson City, Alabama and California.
John was a decorated veteran of WWII, having received a Presidential Commendation for the liberation of the Philippines as well as two bronze stars and other honors for his service in the U.S. Army. He was a retired employee of Endicott-Johnson Corporation. John had a great love of music, especially the violin, which he played into his 80’s for his personal enjoyment. He liked entertaining his great nieces and great nephew by playing the Ukrainian folk songs that were a part of his heritage when they came by to visit. A lover of the Classics, he greatly admired the talents of Itzhak Perlman and Yasha Heifetz, and loved attending concerts. John was also a big baseball fan and a supporter of the Kansas City Royals.
He was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Johnson City, of which his parents were founding members.
After retirement, John could be seen walking the steep hills of the North Side of Johnson City into his 80’s. He liked recalling his childhood on the hill, and chatting with people he met along the way. His treks took him up the hill across Summit and Fairview Streets, over to Oakdale Road, and back to his home. Along the way is St. John’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his parents, amongst friends, neighbors, and other veterans of the parish who also served their country with honor.
His family wishes to acknowledge and express their gratitude for the wonderful care he received through the Syracuse VA Hospital staff and social workers over the last several months.
Vichnaya Pamiyat brother and uncle.

Funeral Information

A funeral service will be offered by the Rev. Father Zinoviy Zharsky on Tuesday at 10am at St. John’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1 St. John’s Parkway, Johnson City.

Donations Information

Anyone wishing to honor John’s memory are asked to make a donation to his church or to the Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org) that supports veterans and their families.