Vladimir Yanoschak

V ladimir “Walt” Yanoschak, 77, passed away on Dec. 15, 2006. He was born to Michael and Anna (Storosko) Yanoschak on May 28, 1929, in Nanticoke. During the Depression, the family moved to the Lower East Side of Manhattan where he received his education in the public schools of New York City.
He is survived by his wife, Anna (Witenko) Yanoschak; daughter, Anne Fawcett with husband, Jim; son, Thomas with wife, Patrice; son, Andrew with wife Cheryl; and brother, Michael. His sister Mary, and a brother, John, predeceased him.
Vladimir loved his family. He was devoted to his wife, whom he married in Queens, N.Y., in 1960. Among his happiest moments were those spent with his grandchildren, Stephen, Alexandra, Katherine, Rachel, Jessica and Michael, and he was proud to have been their “Gigi.” He is also survived by his Aunt Mary Sweeney and dozens of nieces and nephews, by whom he was affectionately referred to as Uncle Dim. He also enjoyed a close relationship with his cousins, Maureen Sweeney and John Sawitzki.
Walt earned an electrical engineering degree from City College of New York. He was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for IBM for 34 years and to have been able to associate with so many fine IBMers and their wonderful families. He retired from IBM in 1990.
He was also grateful for the many friendships made at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church, and Sts. Cyril and Methodious Byzantine Catholic Church. He found Raleigh to be a wonderful area in which to raise a family and enjoyed being friends with many fine North Carolinians. He was pleased to have the special friendship of Dan and Josephine Pope.
He was indebted to the many physicians and surgeons whose incredible knowledge and skill added many years to his life. He was also grateful to the many nurses and caregivers who supported him and his family.
Walt closely followed the activities of the New York Yankees, the NC State Wolfpack and the Carolina Hurricanes. He was proud of his Pennsylvanian, New York City and Slavic roots, and had a keen interest in all things Ukrainian.
Vladimir loved his country. He had the utmost respect and admiration for his uncles, Ted Storosko, Tom Sweeney and John Sawitzki; father-in-law, Louis Witenko; brother-in-law, Joe Englot; and the seven Yanoshak-Kulmatiski brothers, Steve, John, Harry, Russ, Spike, Tex and Duffy; all members of the greatest generation, now mostly deceased. He was indebted to all the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the U.S.
Vladimir loved God and his church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was thankful for the many teachers, priests and nuns who had such a profound effect upon his development.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 1300 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC 27605.
A Mass of Christian Burial , including a Ukrainian Catholic Panahyda service, was celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, followed by interment at Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh, on Dec. 20, 2006.
Vichnaya Pamyat!