John "Iwan" Zdyrko

John "Iwan" Zdyrko, 80, of Windham, beloved husband of Martha (Bartkewycz) Zdyrko, died Wednesday, (March 5, 2003) in Windham Hospital. He was born May 25, 1922 in Baraniwka, Ukraine, son of Michael and Maria Zdyrko. He had been employed by the American Thread Co. for 30 years, leaving in 1987. He later worked at the Super Stop & Shop for 8 years. Mr. Zdyrko sponsored the immigration of over 150 families from the Ukraine to the U.S. During World War II, he served in the Insurgent Ukrainian Army in action against both the German and Soviet armies. He was active in many local organizations including: the Knights of Columbus Council and Assembly, Past President and founding member of the Ukrainian National Home, a founding member of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Past President of the Ukrainian-American Youth Assoc. and President of the Willimantic branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. Iwan was a devoted and good friend to everyone he knew. He loved his homeland and adopted country. May he rest in eternal peace. Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, MSGT. Michael (ret.) and his wife, Angie Zdyrko of Camden, DE.; three daughters and a son-in-law: Irene Zdyrko of Ellington, Lesia and Jerry LeClerc of South Windsor and Ivanka Zdyrko of East Hartford; seven grandchildren: Cindy Guessford, David and John Zdyrko, Monique, David, Shawn and Damien LeClerc; and a great granddaughter, Kristen Guessford. He also leaves a sister, Stefania Zawajowska in the Ukraine and many nieces and nephews, including Michael and Maria Hramiak of Willimantic. A Panahyda Service will be held Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m. in the Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect St., Willimantic followed by a procession to St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church for his Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Windham. Friends are invited to call Friday, 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home with the Panahyda Service at 7 p.m.