Roll Call Tribute

Published in Scranton (PA) Times on Nov. 22, 2017

Harry Krewsun
On Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, my dear Harry, 55, passed peacefully after prolonged illnesses which included myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, thymoma and complications due to immuno-suppression which affected his breathing. He was born Hryhory (Harry) Krewsun on Dec. 22, 1961, to the late Wasyl and Maria Hadzenko Krewsun in Trenton, N.J. Harry and his family were an integral part of the Ukrainian community in Trenton where they were founding members of St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yardville. He was a graduate of St. George Ukrainian School. Harry was a 1980 graduate of Ewing High School and a 1985 graduate of Texas A & M University with a degree in industrial engineering. A member of ODUM, the Ukrainian Democratic Youth Association, Harry spent countless hours working, supporting and serving as youth counselor at the Kiev youth camp in Accord, N.Y. Harry served as treasurer for St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church for more than a decade and devoted many hours in the kitchen and upkeep of the parish. Harry enjoyed the outdoors immensely, where many of his favorites included fishing, hiking, boating and biking. Being an engineer, Harry could fix, create and figure out almost anything he set his mind to do. Harry loved to cook and could make anything out of nothing. Everyone enjoyed his bountiful meals, especially his borscht, "couscous" and his smoked meats and fish. Harry had a passion for his accordion and played semi-professionally throughout the Trenton area in his youth. Not many people know, but he loved to collect yardsticks and one of his greatest joys was his 1984 Toyota Supra. He was a man of faith and principle who stood for everything that was right, just and true.

Our life together was one of love, joy and true companionship. We shared many interests especially our love of travel and experiencing how people lived in other parts of the world. Our love of our older home was always the center of our days and inevitably a "work-in-progress." Though the latter years of our 25 years of marriage were ridden with his compromising health issues, Harry always managed to put a smile on his face (and on mine, too) and kept moving forward. Always wanting to help others who, like him, may be experiencing the same medical afflictions, he organized a local support group for those suffering from myasthenia gravis. He lost his battle sadly, but never lost his faith. Harry was a man of inner strength and all who knew him took a bit of "Harry" with them. He was always grateful to all those who consistently kept him in their prayers and he always ended his prayers with a prayer for them.

He leaves behind, me, his wife, Vera Kowal Krewsun; his brothers, Franz Schiller and his wife, Joyce; and Alex Krewsun. Also, his father-in-law, Very Reverend Nestor S. Kowal; brothers-in-law, Nestor Kowal and wife, Heidi; and Taras Kowal and wife, Lisa; nieces, Samantha Schiller, Lauren Krewsun, Priscilla Kowal and Larissa Kowal; and nephews, Eric Schiller, Steven Schiller, Michael Krewsun (Godson), Elias Kowal and Alexander Kowal; along with former sister-in-law, Maureen Krewsun.

Friends are invited to his visitation Friday, Nov. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. with panachyda at 7. The funeral for my dear Harry will take place Saturday, Nov. 25, at 10 a.m. with visitation from 8:30 until the time of funeral. Both visitation and funeral will take place at St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1006 Howell St., Scranton, PA 18504. Interment, St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Taylor.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1006 Howell St., Scranton, PA; or Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, 355 Lexington Ave., 15th floor, New York, NY 10017.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home, 262 Railroad Ave., West Scranton PA 18505.


Funeral Home
Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services
262 Railroad Avenue Scranton, PA 18505
(570) 342-3657