Obituary of Mykola Jejna

Jejna, Mykola Phoenix, Arizona: Passed away on October 21, 2016, at the age of 88. Predeceased by his parents, Sophia and Michael Jejna, son, Ihor and wife Anna. He is survived by his children Orest (Lynne), Bohdan (Jeff Parnell) , Maria (Donald) Pickens, grandchildren Tracy (Jay) Sonoga, Michael (Brittany Yost), Matthew and Dorian, great grandchild Chloe, and relatives in Ukraine and Canada. Mykola Jejna was born on October 20, 1928, in the village of Putyatynsi, Rohatyn Raion, Ukraine. After fleeing during WWII, with his mother and father, he settled in Innsbruck, Austria, where he married Anna Charambura. In 1948, the family immigrated to the United States and landed in New York City. With a few dollars in their pocket, the family made its way to Rochester, where he spent the major portion of his life. Mykola worked for Xerox Corporation for thirty five years in various engineering positions. During his lifetime, he fostered his love and passion for his homeland Ukraine. He was a contributor and supporter of various Ukrainian organizations in the United States, including the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington. When Ukraine became independent in 1991, Mykola, a partner in Jemar International, formed a joint venture in Lviv, Ukraine, to create the city's first New York style pizza shop. While doing that, Mykola also assisted the Soccer Recycling Foundation, raising funds to ship soccer equipment to those players in need in Ukraine. Lastly, Mykola created an organization that would gather medical equipment and supplies throughout the United States and Canada and would send these items to hospitals and clinics throughout Ukraine. While he loved both his native and adopted countries, he also had a passion for the game of soccer and singing. During the 50's, he played and managed a soccer team made up of recent fellow Ukrainian emigres such as himself. During the early years, Mykola and his Ukrainian- American colleagues created the Ukrainian West Side Club, which ironically ended up on the east side of Rochester, on Norton Street. After his playing years, he concentrated on his love of music and song. Throughout the years, he sang in the church choir and became known for his solo of the Apostles Creed during mass. He sang the Creed with honor and respect as a prayer. Mykola and his local friends, who also loved to sing, joined the Burlaka Choir in Toronto. Every week they made the trek to Toronto to further their passion of music and song. Ultimately, Mykola travelled to various parts of Europe and notably Ukraine, to sing and entertain with the choir. Mykola will be missed for his enterprise and humanitarian work in Ukraine. He will be mostly missed by his family and those that loved him. His family will receive friends Friday 4:00 - 7:00pm at the funeral home. Mykola's Divine Liturgy will be held Saturday 9:30 am at Ukrainian Catholic Church of Epiphany, 202 Carter St., Rochester, NY. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. To share a memory or send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com.