Dmytro "Jim/James" Ivasutyn

Born in Zhukotyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine on November 25,1924 son to the late Stefan and Maria (Ninovsky). After completing his studies at the district school, he transferred to a teacher's college in Kolomiya. His studies were interrupted by the German occupation of western Ukraine. In 1941, he, along with many of his fellow Ukrainians were transported to Germany as labor. In Germany he met his future wife Halya Odynetz.

After the war, Dmytro, Halya and their two children were sponsored by his aunt, who resided in New York, and with the coordination of the American Red Cross immigrated to the United States. The family arrived in New York harbor in October of 1948 on the first refugee transport from Europe to the United States.

Dmytro was skilled in precision instrument production. He was one of the creative personnel who fabricated the 36 foot wing-span of the American eagle that was erected on the United States embassy building in London, England in 1960.

In 1961 the family relocated to Yonkers, New York. Dmytro was employed by Technicon Corporation in Tarrytown, N.Y. and headed the precision and sheet metal departments the revolutionary blood and auto-analyzing instrument was created and still remains in production.

Many of Dmytro's creative and cost cutting suggestions were incorporated by Technicon and he was recognized with awards and promotions. After his retirement he began a second career as a licensed New York State real estate appraiser.

Dmytro was an active and energetic member in the Ukrainian-American community in Yonkers. From its inception in 1964 and for 29 years he was elected and headed the Suma Yonkers Federal Credit Union Credit Committee. He was elected president of the Ukrainian youth center building committee and in 1970, under his leadership the building was constructed and today stands as a focal gathering for the community. For 20 years he was secretary of the local Yonkers branch of Providence Association of Ukrainian Catholics as well as Ukrainian secretary of St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church building committee. For six years he headed the Organization of Four Freedoms for Ukraine. In 1996, on the tenth anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, he was elected chairman of the Commemoration Committee.

Dmytro enjoyed the company of family and his many friends. Besides his love for his adopted country he never gave up hope for a free and independent Ukraine. Dmytro was an avid soccer and hockey fan and in retirement took full advantage of cheering for his favorite teams. Dmytro will be remembered for his outgoing personality and generosity with family, friends and family in Ukraine.

Dmytro was predeceased in death by his beloved wife Halya, his son Stephen and four sisters. He is survived by his daughter Lesia Semer (James), daughter Mary, granddaughters, and great grandchildren and sister Vasylyna Yatsyniuk in Zhukotyn and numerous family in Ukraine.

A visitation for Dmytro will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703. A mass of Catholic Ukrainian burial will occur Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Michaels Ukrainian Catholic Church, 21 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703. An interment will occur Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM at Holy Spirit Cemetery, 141 Sarah Wells Trail, Campbell Hall, NY 10916.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whalenandballfh.com for the Ivasutyn family.