Semen Paul Rewak

Born in the little village of Vetlana, Ukraine, he was one of eight children to Michael and Helen Rewak. He left his homeland of Ukraine during World War II, found his way across Europe, and came to America to live the American dream - with a Ukrainian touch! He, along with so many other Ukrainians, was a pioneer of the Ukrainian American Youth Association in Yonkers, and established Oselia CYM in Ellenville, N.Y. He maintained a positive attitude throughout his life by remaining a kid at heart and supporting his family to keep Ukrainian traditions alive through prayer, community, song, and dance. He loved listening to his granddaughters sing Ukrainian songs, practice reciting poems for “Zlet,” and watching Ukrainian folk dancing. Although not a dancer, he was a wonderful cheerleader clapping along with each step.

An avid gardener, his zucchini and kirby cucumbers would be so abundant that by the end of the summer, no one wanted to look at another green vegetable until next year.

Beloved husband of nearly 59 years to Joan/Ivanka (Tchir), Tato and Father-in-Law to Olia & Tom DeBruin and Christine & Stephen Barankewicz, cherished Dido (Grandfather) to Stephanie, Christina, Tatiana and Deanna. He cared for his granddaughters every day when they were young; Dido was almost always able to get them to nap, eat their broccoli, and take them food shopping with no problem at all. They viewed their Dido as the sweetest man and their best friend.

Paul taught his family so many lessons about hard work, kindness, patience, courage, and most importantly optimism. His enduring strength throughout the challenges he faced during his long, full life taught his family that life is beautiful and should be celebrated each day. Though we will miss his presence and constant endearing smile every day, we will carry his legacy on in our hearts and in our lives.

Arrangements:

Whalen & Ball Funeral Home

Park Avenue, Yonkers NY

Thursday Aug 29th – 6-9PM

Friday Aug 30th 2-4PM and 7-9PM Panahyda at 7:30PM

Saturday Aug 31st, 2019 Funeral Mass at 9:30AM St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church,

21 Shonnard Place, Yonkers NY

Internment at Mount Hope Cemetery