Joseph Chomyn

Joseph Chomyn, 93, born in Rochester, NY on November 7, 1925 to Kyrillo and Yadowkia Chomyn, passed away in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina on Monday, March 11, 2019. His wife Anita of 61 years, predeceased him by 20 months.

Joe grew up in during the Great Depression, was the youngest of 5 siblings born to immigrant parents, and was the first in his family to be born in a hospital. He was also the first in his family to complete college, though he dropped out of high school to enlist in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He completed his GED, used the GI Bill to attend Center College, earned his BFA from Drake University and his MFA from the Yale Drama School.

Joe began his career in the theater, but soon moved into the emerging television industry. He was an assistant director, floor manager, then began directing live commercials. He directed documentaries for CBS News, and was most proud of his subsequent work directing the television coverage for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign.

After the election, Joe returned to Manhattan where he and Anita were living, and began work with Captain Kangaroo. He then moved on to directing soap operas, including: As the World Turns, The Edge of Night, The Guiding Light, Another World, and Somerset.

In his retirement, Joe spent most of his time in Freeport, Maine, greatly enjoying work in the stockroom, and as a “greeter” at the LL Bean flagship store. During those years, the joy of his life was spending time with his grandchildren, watching them sail on Casco Bay, and listening to them whip up recipes in the kitchen with grandma. His five grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Joe is survived by his son, Dr. John Chomyn, his wife June, and their children, Mallerie and Claire; and son, Chris Chomyn and his wife Lindsay, and their daughters, Anneke and Alexis. Joe’s grandson, Joey, was a sailor, scholar, and musician, predeceasing his grandfather by 7 months.

Joe will be missed, but he will never be forgotten.

Donations may be made to a Foundation, established in loving memory of his grandson Joey. Creating opportunities for underprivileged and deserving children to love and respect the outdoors.

Joey Chomyn Sailing Foundation

29 Waterway Island Drive

Isle of Palms, SC 29451