JOSEPH CIKALO

1931 - 2017

Joseph Cikalo Native of Ukraine, helped fund education advancements there Joseph Cikalo, of Pompton Plains, N.J., passed peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Oct. 10, 2017. He was born in the village of Kamenobrid in western Ukraine in October 1931. Joe, as he liked to be called, was a veteran of the Korean War and served honorably in the United States Air Force. He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and spent his professional career in the aerospace industry, where he worked tirelessly on behalf of the nation's defense, and was a significant contributor to the science of radar-jamming technology. He was awarded several U.S. patents in that field. After retiring in 1995, Joe's passion turned to the advancement of artistic studies for school-age children and young adults in his birthplace. Through his leadership, he funded and secured contributions for much-needed school supplies and the construction of supporting facilities including classrooms, conference rooms and a performance hall in the village school. In 2009, the Kamenobrid government awarded him the King Danylo Medal in recognition of his contributions in elevating the cultural awareness of the Ukrainian people. Joe is survived by his three sons, Orest, Roman, and George, Roman's wife Kristina, and George's wife Oya. Joe is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Nicholas, Joya, and Marley. He is also survived by his former wife, Eugenia, and many loving brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 830 North Franklin St., Philadelphia, followed by the Requiem Liturgy at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Elkins Park, Pa. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made in Joe's name to The Zorya, Inc., Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing and inspiring awareness of the richness of Ukrainian history, culture, art and the sciences. Contributions can mailed to The Zorya, Inc., Foundation, P.O. Box 7640, Greenwich, CT 06830.