Walter Iwaskewycz

Walter Iwaskewycz , age 87, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family, in his home in Plantation, Florida, on Friday, May 5, 2017. Walter, affectionately known as “Dido,” to all of his family and friends, was born on November 2, 1929, in Pidhaytsi, Ukraine, to Helen and Philamon Iwaskewycz. At the age of 14, Walter lived through and endured the war that ravaged his Ukrainian homeland.  He eventually fled, finding refuge with the American Armed Forces, and later resettled in Oldham, England, where he met and married his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Vera Lontschar.  They married in 1951, had two children, Michael and Rosemary, and immigrated to Ambridge, Pennsylvania, in 1958. He was a man of many talents and worked in many trades, and excelled as a Class A welder at Pittsburgh Bridge & Iron; he was also an exceptional craftsman and painter, and worked alongside his son at Complete Home Painting By Michael, in Miami. As a devout Catholic and parishioner of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Walter attended mass regularly and served for many years as an usher. He thoroughly enjoyed his involvement with the Ukrainian Catholic community and club. Above all, he was a kind, loving and generous soul, who was completely devoted to every member of his family, including the company of many close family friends. His smile and jovial demeanor revealed his affectionate nature that left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him.  Our loving husband, father, grand and great-grandfather is survived by wife Vera, son Michael (Christine), daughter Rosemary (Skip) Smith, grandchildren: Nicholas (Emily), Alexis Iwaskewycz, Christopher Iwaskewycz, Theresa (Zach) Leidig, Lesya (Max) Biggar; and four great-grandchildren: Bryn, Ethan, James and Blake. Walter was preceded in death by brothers, Zenon, Julian, and Michael Iwaskewycz. Visitation will take place on Monday, May 8, at T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. (Parastas will begin at 7:30 p.m.) 7001 Northwest 4 Street Plantation, Florida 33317.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 9, 11:00 AM at the Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 39 N.W. 57th Court, Miami, FL, 33126 Entombment to follow at Vista Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 14200 NW 57th Avenue, Hialeah, FL, 33014.