Waldislaw "Walter" Olijnyk Obituary (1938 - 2020)

Wladislaw (Walter) Olijnyk July 20, 1938 - October 28, 2020 Wladislaw (Walter) Olijnyk, 82, of Wittman, Arizona passed away on October 28, 2020. He passed away at home surrounded by his daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Carl Stockton. Walter was born in Zolotnyky, Ukraine to Toma and Anna Olijnyk. He had 12 siblings. As a young teen, he came to the United States via Germany at the end of World War II and came to live in New York City with his family. He loved spending his time playing soccer and was a semi-pro player. As he got older, he continued his love of soccer, moved from New York City to Rochester, NY, married in 1957 and had six children with Eustachia Juskiw. Walter believed in God and loved his country, USA. He especially loved celebrating the holidays; Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas with the enthusiasm of a youngster each and every year. His love of Ukrainian music and traditions followed him all the days of his life. He worked at American companies such Tobin Meat Products, Burroughs & Todd and Xerox just to name a few. Walter NEVER met a stranger. His larger than life personality ensured that he lived every day like it was his last day and he loved wholeheartedly. He was generous to anyone in need. He always believed in all his children. He loved his son-in-laws as sons and daughter-in-laws as daughters. He was preceded in passing by his mother, Anna Olijnyk, his father, Toma Olijnyk, his brother Alex, sisters Lana, Jeannie, Maria, Stephanie, Anna and 4 siblings that passed away in Ukraine many years ago. Walter is survived by his sisters, Orysia Nestor and Olga Olijnyk and several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, in New York. In addition to his sisters Walter is survived by his eldest daughter, Antoinette (Tonia) and Gary Richardson; Eldest son Thomas (Tom) and Patricia Olijnyk; Nicholas (Nick) and Sandra Olijnyk, Christine (Chris) and Carl Stockton; Timothy (Tim) Olijnyk and Alexandra (Sandy) and Ray Chilson. Walter is also survived by his grandchildren, eldest grandson, Garrett C. Richardson, eldest granddaughter Ciara Dunning, Laurie Ann Zarate, Lindsey K. Olijnyk, Leyvi C. Olijnyk, Crystal D. Stockton, Austin L. Stockton and Tom L. Stockton, Joshua Peppin, Timothy W. Olijnyk and Dustin M. Chilson. Walter is survived by his great grandchildren: Max Zarate, Evie Zarate, Bodie Dunning, Benjamin Mayerhofer, Michael Mayerhofer, Jeramyah Peppin, Jayden Peppin and Rylee Peppin. A private family memorial service will be held in New York, Spring of 2021. Please send memorial donations to the Hospice of the Valley.org