Obituary of Ihor John Hoshowsky

On November 8, 2024 Captain Ihor John Hoshowsky, U.S. Army Ret. Passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital at the age of 81. He is survived by his sister, Christine Hoshowsky, Ph.D., his brother, Serhij, sister-in-law, Karen, his niece, Kateryna Jacoby and her husband, Miles Jacoby and their son, Danylo, along with many cousins living in the U.S., Canada and Ukraine.

Captain Ihor John Hoshowsky was born in Kolomyia, Ukriane during World War II. As pressure on Ukrainian civilians mounted, Ihor, together with his mother Irene and father Omelan left Ukraine in search of peace and freedom in the U.S.A. Under the auspices of the U.S. Displaced Persons Act of 1948, the Hoshowsky family was admitted to the U.S. They settled in Utica, NY then relocated to Rochester, NY. The children, Ihor, sister Christine and brother Serhij were enrolled in public schools. Subsequently each graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in Rochester before pursuing higher education.

Once Ihor graduated high school he enrolled at Bethany College, WV. There, in 1965 he received a B.S. degree in mathematics. U.S. Army Officers Candidate School followed. Upon completion he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served a tour of duty in Germany. It was an unsettled time as the war in Vietnam raged in the 1960’s to the 1970’s. Ihor served two tours of duty in Vietnam. While there he was promoted to the rank of Captain. He earned numerous decorations and medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and Parachutist Badge.

Following his military service, he worked as a mathematics teacher at Rochester area schools St. Rita’s School in Webster, St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic School in Irondequoit and East High School in Rochester until his retirement. An Active member of his community he volunteered his time and talents to the Ukrainian American Veterans, hosting international visitors through the Open World Delegation Program. He participated in celebrations for the Ukrainian Centennial Monument at Irondequoit Town Hall as well as in Ukrainian Independence celebrations. He also represented the John Onufryk Post 1590 of the American Legion. Ihor John Hoshowsky was inducted into the 2022 N.Y.S. veterans Hall of Fame by NY Senator Samra G. Brouk.

Viewing will take place at Harris Funeral Home on Kings Highway South in Irondequoit on Friday November 15, 2024 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM with Panachyda service starting at 6:30PM. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church at 940 East Ridge Road, Irondequoit on Saturday at 10:00AM November 16, 2024. Burial at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery and reception at Ukrainian Cultural Center to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church at stjosaphats.org or Roc Maidan at RocMaidan.org.