Mr. John M. Nykorchuk

Mr. John M. Nykorchuk of Rossiter Road, Richmond, Massachusetts, died after a long illness, at home on July 16, 2014, surrounded by his loving family members. He was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on November 21, 1956, son of the late Steven Nykorchuk and Alfreda Prehoden Nykorchuk. He had been a resident of Richmond, Massachusetts since 1996. Mr. Nykorchuk was an active employee of Curtil-Marland Mold Company, of Pittsfield, MA, before becoming ill 2 1/2 years ago. He was employed as a departmental Computer Program Designer within the Engineering Department for more than 35 years. His employ- ment with the Marland Mold Company started while he was still a young student in high school in 1973, within the vocational division at Taconic High School in Pittsfield, MA. John advanced to a special training program at Berkshire Community College during his junior year, and throughout his senior year at Taconic High School. Upon completion of this specialized training program he became an employee of the Marland Mold Company at an early age, remaining there for his entire lifetime career. John attended local grammar schools and high school in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He graduated from Taconic High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, and through its Vocational Program, advancing to a special vocational course at Berkshire Community College, in its Engineering Division during his junior and his senior years. He graduated in 1974 from Taconic High School, while attending Berkshire Community College. John also went on to earn an Associates Degree from Berkshire Community College, in Pittsfield, MA, and attended Western New England College, in Springfield, MA Upon graduation, John then entered the early training program at the Marland Mold Company, Inc. Throughout his employment, he took many college related courses which were connected with the Plastic Molding Industry, attending seminars and training programs, and various skilled and specialized courses related to new and upcoming computerized machinery for the Marland Mold Company. John was a tireless worker from his youth until the end of his career. He will be remembered by those at Marland Mold Company, for arriving in the early morning hours of 5:00 A. M., (jokingly, to start the coffee), but who goes to work at that hour! To open up the building, working until the late afternoon, continuing to do this six days a week throughout his life. He was always an on-call employee for the company, especially when there were computer problems within the computerized factory and machinery division, fixing design re-molding problems, and always there assisting all of his co-workers with their at-home computer projects. John was one of those rare dedicated employees. He was a loyal employee to the company that he loved - the Marland Mold Company. John had previously been employed for a short period of time at Jodi’s Floral Company, in Pittsfield, MA, which is owned and operated by his very good friends, David and Andrea Blessing. There he enjoyed the peaceful creativity of working outdoors with the numerous flowering creations, plants and trees which they produced for the public, and their many specialty landscaping projects. He was also employed with Marland Ethyl Corporation, and Tredegar (Marland), during their take-overs of the company, before it became an Employee Owned Company. He especially enjoyed the ocean and traveling - especially to the beach, actually any ocean or beach! Wherever there was an ocean and beach activities, entertainment and festivals, John would be willing to travel many hours away, to reach that location, taking family and friends for a little week-end day trip, or the week-end vacation trips as he called them! John had been an avid scuba diver for many years. His travels took him to places which included Antiqua, Bon Aire, the Cayman Islands, the Caribbean, Bahamas’s, Hawaii and its many isolated areas, as well as many trips to the Florida Keys, Newport, RI, and the Rockport, MA, Portsmouth, NH cliff areas. He was a Certified Scuba Diving Instructor, and was practiced in assisting local authorities with Emergency Diving Search’s within the Berkshire County, and New York Area. He was enthusiastic and helpful with many newcomers who were learning this wonderful activity. His travels brought him in touch with many wonderful places and new acquaintances. John was a member of the National Bowlers Association, and for many years he enjoyed bowling with friends, especially his Wednesday night league games at Ken’s Bowl in Pittsfield, MA, which included a variety of bowlers on his team (Jodi’s), as they went up and down with their challenges and bowling scores! During his youth, John was a member or the Boys Scouts of America. Mr. Nykorchuk was communicant of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He was also a former member of the Holy Family Polish Catholic Church, and St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. One of his known habits was that John would always let your know what he was thinking one way or another, (you always heard from him some way!!) – though he was known for his quiet mannerism - (and at times, not so quiet!). He was knowledgeable and helpful always, to many unfortunate people in need of help. He could be counted on to assist anyone who asked for a favor or needed help, and he would always go above and beyond to offer his help. Many people, friends and strangers too, benefited from his technical knowledge, and heartfelt giving heart. He was very handy around the house, and always had a tool for any task that it required. John will be remembered by all as an indomitable spirit, with boundless energy. There was always a project he was eager to tackle, and an excuse why he could not Rest! (even when he was seriously ill) There was no better friend to have than John Nykorchuk. Always there in your time of need, there to share your joys and successes, and sometimes sorrows, and there to support your causes (good or bad). A kind and sensitive person lirked beneath that happy-go-lucky attitude he sometimes projected to the world. John was forever a special friend to those close to him, and he held a warm embrace for everyone, and an inescapable kindness toward all, especially when they most needed it. Johnnie, as he was known to his family members, was a loving caring part of his immediate family. He gave of his heart. He was there for you anytime, anywhere, a true and loyal friend, John Nykorchuk will be missed by many, but always remembered. Many knew John Nykorchuk, the worker, the coffee maker, the bowler, the handy-man (at times), the go-to guy for computer problems, but those close to John Nykorchuk will never forget his kindness and his gentle and generous manner. John enjoyed the quiet of living in Richmond, MA, and taking pride in his home and property (with always a project ready for him to work on!). He was always a selfless and supportive person, always giving to others in need, and forgetting about himself along the way. John valued his family members most of all, and he enjoyed time spent with family, close and far. John was a true person of Polish and Ukrainian upbringing, he valued the traditions which he grew up with throughout his life. He was always looking for a Polish Picnic - He loved Polish Picnics, anywhere throughout the Massachusetts and New York area, and their Polish Foods! He especially loved blueberry Pierogi! John always cherished childhood memories, and enjoyed those years of special holiday traditions and celebrations, which he held in his heart, of older family members long gone, and old friends (even attempting to cook a Polish BABKA a few times on his own – with lots of help after!) John had a special bonding friendship with his cousin, Danielle Walsh Massaconi, who was most supportive and loving during John’s long illness, and a mutual heartfelt joking relationship with Danielle’s daughter Victoria Argiro, who was always was able to make him laugh during his illness, even when he did not want to laugh - (bringing him candy and comical jokes!!). Always a jokester himself, John enjoyed fun and tricks, (as did his Father, Steve Nykorchuk). John loved to spend time with his extended family members, Patti’s grandchild Christina (Weena) DeWitt, was a special part of their life, she always wanted to play games with John (so she could beat him!), cheating a little too! She bugged him all the time for swing rides! Patti’s daughter, Jessica DeWitt-Walsh Ashitey, especially during her younger years, growing up in Richmond, MA, enjoying many great times at Halloween with John during her many youthful scary Halloween parties (which John made famous!), with all his tricks and haunts! Those times kept him young and laughing! Most always John enjoyed the Christmas Season, it was a special time to him, and all those around him participated in his family memories of previous years, enjoying his collage of pictures and CD’s (provided by his brother!). He always remembered the extended family members from years gone by at this very special season! Mr. Nykorchuk is survived by his Brother, Steven Nykorchuk of Sterling, Virginia, along with his Wife, Kathy Nykorchuk, and their children, who always contributed a new stuffed character during their visits to Uncle John, Emily Patricia Nykorchuk, (John’s Godchild), and his nephew, Alexander Nykorchuk of Sterling,Virginia. He is also survived by his Cousin, Patricia (Patti) Smicherko Walsh, with whom he shared his home in Richmond, MA ; Cousins, young Julian Ashitey, and Christina (Weena) DeWitt, (who always kept Johnnie young at heart); Cousin Jessica DeWitt-Walsh Ashitey (Alex Ashitey), who was part of John’s life during her youth in Richmond, MA, and Patti’s younger daughter. Patti’s older daughter, and a Special Helping Hand, Cousin, Danielle Walsh Massaconi (Matthew Massaconi), who was always there with support and knowledge throughout Johnnie’s long illness; Danielle’s children, Victoria Argiro (who kept him laughing), and Vincent Barile (Barileski - (remember you’re Polish too- not just Italian); many extended Cousins and family members; and his longtime, and very Special Friends Andrea and David Blessing, John Rosier, Bob Tierney, Bill Hart, as well as many, many other wonderful friends and co-workers, both near and far. John wanted to also thank, Dr. Paul Rosenthal, and all the Nurses and Assistants at Hillcrest Oncology/Hematology for their devoted care and knowledge throughout John’s illness. Dr. Touhey and the dedicated nurses and assistants of 5 West, at Berkshire Medical Center. A special thanks to the personnel of HOSPICE OF THE BERKSHIRES for their support and assistance to John, and his family during his time of need, and the Nurses and assistants at Hillcrest Commons for their great care and friendship. Mr. Nykorchuk had a special request of his remaining friends and family, in which he asks that everyone appreciate their blessings here on earth, and that they should all value their family members. He especially would ask, that all and everyone embrace those who guided them throughout their life-time, with love and support, as well as remembering all those whom they should remain close to, and be devoted to, as well as being loyal to all friends and family It is John’s hope, that at some point in the future, everyone will find joy in your lives; remembering each and all of your family’s Ethnic Roots, and Ancestry, as that is where all and every one of us has come from, our loving Families. He asks that everyone remember each other with love, and kindness in the future days to come. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. John M. Nykorchuck will be Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 9 a.m. from the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church celebrated by Rev. David Aufiero, Parochial Vicar. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Monday, July 21, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions in Mr. Nykorchuk’s name, may be made to the American Cancer Society and/or the National Diabetes Foundation, in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. John M. Nykorchuk

November 21, 1956 - July 16, 2014