Iosif Zvirik's Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Iosif Zvirik, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Iosif left this world peacefully on December 17, 2024, at the age of 79, surrounded by the love of his family in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born on March 4, 1945, in Dovhomostyska Village, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine, to Volodymyr and Sofia Zvirik, who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion from a young age.
Iosif's life was marked by resilience and dedication. He was conscripted into the Soviet Army and served from 1963 to 1966. Upon returning from military service, he embraced a career as a machinist and welder, which showcased his meticulous nature and strong work ethic. Throughout his life, Iosif was known for his quiet demeanor and reserved personality, yet he was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, embodying the spirit of generosity.
Iosif married the love of his life, Nadezhda, on October 28, 1968, with whom he built a beautiful family. Together, they raised four wonderful daughters: Galina Svintsitsky (Ruslan); Lyudmila Kanochkin (Leonid); Oksana Stefaniuk (Stefan); and Nataliya Kovalchuk (Nikolay), who is preceded in death.
Iosif immigrated with his family to the United States in 1990 as Soviet religious refugees, traveling from the former Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, through Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Italy, before finally settling in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his wife were honored to become naturalized citizens of the United States in 2017.
Iosif was preceded in death by his siblings Teodora, Stefan, and Lyubov, as well as his daughter Nataliya. He is survived by his loving wife Nadezhda, his half-sisters Sofia and Lesya, and his daughters Galina, Lyudmila, and Oksana, who carry forward his legacy of love and kindness.
Iosif always enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He especially cherished every moment spent with his 13 beloved grandchildren: Joseph and Benjamin Svintsitsky; Maryana, Daniel, Sofia, and Diana Kovalchuk; Anya, Tanya, and Vitya Kanochkin; and Lesya, Victor, William, and John Stefaniuk.
In addition to his family, Iosif was actively involved in his community, being a cherished member of the Church of Evangelic Faith in Parma, Ohio. His faith was a guiding light in his life, and he found great comfort and purpose in being part of this community.
Iosif had a passion for home and furniture repair, especially painting and staining, often spending hours in his workshop tinkering and creating. He always shared his skills and knowledge with others. His quiet strength and willingness to assist those around him made a lasting impact on all who knew him.
The funeral services for Iosif Zvirik will be held on December 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM, and December 21, at 10:00 AM, at the Church of Evangelic Faith, located at 6195 Broadview Rd, Building 2, Parma, OH 44134. Pastor Igor Vitruk will be officiating the services. The interment will take place at Brooklyn Heights Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a kind and peaceful man who touched the hearts of so many.
As we remember Iosif, let us carry forward his legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family and community. His gentle spirit and unwavering support will forever be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Iosif; you have left a footprint in our hearts that will last a lifetime.
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