Stefan Bury

BOARDMAN - Although Stefan Bury was fortunate enough at age 97 to have lived a long and full life, the impact upon his family and friends of his passing on June 17, 2017, is nevertheless one of considerable sadness and mourning.

He was a good man, intelligent, resourceful, and exceptionally hard-working (his wife may also have mentioned the “occasional” streak of stubbornness), whose very presence will be deeply missed.

Stefan was born in a village in Ukraine on Dec. 28, 1919. During World War II when Ukraine was occupied by the Nazis, he was among those seized from his home, taken to Germany and put into forced labor.

After the war ended, he met his wife in a refugee camp. They were both profoundly grateful to be given the opportunity to immigrate to the United States. Once here, their gratitude was compounded with great respect for the freedoms they encountered and the warmth of the American people.

They did not take their freedom for granted and passed along their love for this new, wonderful country to their children. The proud day they received their American citizenship became celebrated in their home as an annual family holiday and marked by their children as the first time they ever remembered "Mama and Tato" going to a restaurant.

Stefan worked in the steel mills of Youngstown until the mills closed, at which time he became employed in transportation at Greenwood Chevrolet. There he worked until age 90 where he very much enjoyed the camaraderie of his co-workers

Afterwards, he remained as ever industrious, filling his days completing one project after another. To his children, growing up, he had always seemed as somewhat of a superman, being able to build anything or fix anything they brought to him and so he seemed to remain.

Stefan was an active member of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church and of St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church, and was especially active in his beloved choir. He had great respect for the Rev. Fr. Lubomyr Zhybak. His church family meant a great deal to him and in his final years, they extended many kindnesses to him.

Stefan and his wife Evhenia were very proud of their Ukrainian heritage and taught their children the language, the music, and the poetry that meant so much to them and was such a part of them. (And yes, the children did sigh dramatically and did prefer to just go out and play or watch cartoons instead, on let's say more than one occasion).

Stefan died at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center where, to a person, the staff, in his final days, surrounded him with great competence and kindness. For this, the family is exceptionally appreciative and extends many thanks.

Stefan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evhenia, for whom he cared with great devotion during her final illness. He leaves two daughters, Orysia V. Bury of Boardman and Marti Snow of Columbus; a son-in-law Scott Snow; and an adored grandson, Dustin, and his wife Molly. 

Family and friends, may call from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, June 22, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown. A Divine Liturgy will take place at 11:30 a.m. at St Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church, on the northeast corner of Kirk and Raccoon Roads in Austintown.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery where Stefan will be laid to rest next to his wife.

"Vichnaya Pamyat!" May his memory be everlasting and eternal.

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