Peter Tchoryk

POLAND-Today we mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Pierre "Peter" Tchoryk, Sr., husband to Monique "Monica" Tchoryk for more than 63 years. Father to Patty Tchoryk, Anita (Stanley) Babinski, and Peter (Sarah) Tchoryk, Jr., grandfather to Adam Brown, Ashley (fiance Anthony Tommasini) Babinski, Christie Babinski, Jessica (Erick) Finkiewicz, Sydney Tchoryk, Jacq Kai Tchoryk, and great-grandfather to Bailey Finkiewicz, Parker Finkiewicz, and Sullivan Finkiewicz.

He also leaves behind his sister, Olga Goldich and family, brother, John (Margaret) Tchoryk, nephew John, nieces Francie and Danielle, great-niece Victoria, good friends Angelo Minniti and Al Falgiani, and his wonderful extended family in France and Europe. Pierre joins his brother Michael Tchoryk, sister Francois, father Dmytro, mother Anna, and brother-in-law Ralph Goldich.

Pierre and Monique’s life is a story of romance stretching from Europe to the United States. A story that reflects the lives of so many immigrants coming to America for a better life and making America a better country. Pierre came to America as a 20-year-old Ukranian man, trained as a machinist in France. It was at a barn dance in the French countryside where he met a 16-year-old French young lady, whose beauty was only matched by her kind heart and gentle spirit. It was, as they say, love at first sight - and first dance.

Pierre moved to Youngstown, Ohio with his family, and soon sent for Monique. They would start their 63-year marriage here, not knowing any of the language and "without a dime to their names." And just like so many immigrants, they worked hard, using their talents and passion to raise a family and make this country and world a better place.

Pierre worked as a machinist and eventually obtained his education degree, teaching Machine Shop to at-risk youth at a number of organizations, including Manpower and the Choffin Career and Technical Center in Youngstown. He always worked two jobs, starting his own machine shop in his spare time. Pierre had an entrepreneurial spirit, creative mind, and unbelievable work ethic, using those talents to help countless young people learn a trade.

As passionate as he was about his work, his romance with Monique grew ever stronger over the years, and he always provided for his family, whom he loved very much. His other passion was music, having assembled the largest collection of accordion music and accordions this side of the Atlantic.

Pierre's legacy is his love for his family and friends, his students, and the joy in knowing they are all working to make this world a better place.

A private graveside service for the family was held on Friday at the Poland Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Mr. Tchoryk’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512 or to the YMCA of Youngstown, c/o Metro Office, 17 N. Champion St., Youngstown, Ohio 44503.

Arrangements are being handled by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland Chapel. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.