Obituary of Dr. Roman Tratch

Dr. Roman Tratch

Penfield: Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the age of 97. Predeceased by his sister, Irka Deputat in Ukraine. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Nadia; son, Andy (Laurie) Tratch; daughter, Sonia (Chris) Cavolo; grandsons, CJ and Alex Cavolo; loving family, Carmen & Ihor Debryn; caring neighbors, Wendy, Ron, Marina, Gary, Princess and Alan; aides Lois and the Team, cat Keetsia, loving friends in the Rochester Ukrainian Community, and family and friends in Ukraine. 

Roman was born in Ukraine in 1927 and as a young man of 16 years old, he escaped Ukraine during WWII. He studied psychology in Germany, France, Belgium and then moved to Cananda where he met his wife at the University of Toronto, before moving to the US.

He was an esteemed psychology professor at St. John Fisher College for over 25 years. Revered by students, he was often called their favorite professor.

Upon retirement Dr. Tratch went to Ukraine and offered his services to the Institute of Psychology in Kyiv.  He was recognized and honored by numerous Ukrainian educational providers for his translations of psychology text books written by Philipp Lersch from German to Ukrainian. In 2021 he wrote his memoirs.

Roman was an award winning rosarian with 75 rose bushes in his care. Later he would gift many of his roses to families throughout Monroe County, where people enjoy them still today.

Roman was very proud of both of his children, and always enjoyed visits from his grandsons.  He taught them how to play chess, poker, and gardening.

Over the years Roman and Nadia housed many Ukrainian students trying to find their way in the US. They took them in like family, and helped them in any way they could.

Roman loved to listen to classical and Ukrainian music, and in his younger years, he loved to ski, camp, sing, and play the violin.

His family will receive friends Friday, June 7, 12:00pm - 2:00pm at the Funeral Home (570 Kings Highway So.). Panachyda (Ukrainian Prayer Service) will follow at 2:00pm and then Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to RocMaidan, an organization that continues to send much needed supplies to the soldiers in Ukraine, 1040 Jackson Rd. Webster, NY 14580.