Nicholas Litwinko

Born in Ukraine, Nick and his family spent time in a work camp and, at the age of 12, as a family, they immigrated to the U.S., passing through Ellis Island, as many immigrants did. He was interested in visiting Ellis Island later in life to see the various exhibits there, which reminded him of this journey.

Nick served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1964. He went on to work for the Fort Wayne Police Department from 1964 to 1988 before retiring. After that, Nick served in the Allen County Sheriff's Department from 1988 to 2003, where he became a specialist in fingerprint technology. He was proud of his time serving on the police force as it allowed him to be an active member of those who make our communities safe.

During his retirement years, Nick and Cass loved to split their time between Fort Wayne and Florida. They enjoyed hosting their family at their vacation home on Crooked Lake, where they enjoyed taking their grandkids fishing and swimming and sometimes, in late summers, catching fireflies. And nothing was more pleasurable to him than getting delicious Tom’s donuts to share with the grandkids when they visited.

As a veteran, Nick was also proud and honored to be taken on an Honor Flight from Fort Wayne to Washington D.C. in 2024, accompanied and arranged by his son Mark, where the veterans’ toured sights and were given a special thank you for their service.

Nick leaves behind his wife, Cassandra (Cass) Winebrenner Litwinko, who was the mother of his beloved children, Lori Litwinko Martin and her husband Scott Martin, Nick Litwinko and his wife Rachel Carlisle and Mark Litwinko and his wife Teri Litwinko. In addition, he was proud to be a grandfather (Didi) to his cherished grandchildren, Dexter Martin, Eliza Martin, Adelaide Litwinko, Colton Martin, Tyler Litwinko, Taya Martin and Andrew Litwinko. Nick leaves behind two sisters, Olga Stokes and Violet Gater. He also leaves behind his beloved in-laws, Dexter Winebrenner and wife, Reta Winebrenner, with whom he spent many wonderful times in Florida and Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Litwinko and Sophie Nikitich Litwinko, as well as his special cousin William (Bill) Nikitich, who was like a brother to him. He enjoyed taking a trip with Bill and his wife Tina to visit Ukraine in 1993 to visit where his family had lived when he was born.

The funeral service will be 1:30 pm. Monday, August 11, 2025, at D.O. McComb and Sons - Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN, with visitation two hours prior. Committal and burial at Lindenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cancer Services of NE Indiana.