Tombstone Tuesday

Tombstone Tuesday - POMAHKO

When I first saw this stone in our church cemetery (Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery in Coatesville, Chester County, PA), I had no idea it was family. I simply thought it would be nice to have a stone similar when it's my time. I like the simplicity of it - a simple Orthodox cross (note the footrest versus the T shaped cross of many other Christians).

Turns out - Onifur Romanko is my grandfather's uncle.

When my grandfather - PANKO HRUSZCZAK - immigrated he had to list who he was coming to see or stay with here. That is how I connected the two. He listed Onifur Romanko as his uncle living in Coatesville. Onifur's wife was Rosalia (or Rose). These two were married in 1917.

Under their vitals is a phrase we use for those who have passed -- Vichna Pam'yatʹ. Translated it means "Memory Eternal". May their souls rest in eternal happiness and may their memory live in God’s Kingdom from generation to generation.

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