Obituary of Eugene Lenyk

Eugene Lenyk, "Geno"

December 9, 1948 - August 23, 2024

Born in Dinklesbuhl, Germany, Geno arrived in America as a one year old with his 3 year old sister, Oxana in December of 1949. His Ukrainian parents, William and Nadia, taken from their families as teenagers, worked on German farms during World War II. Liberated by American soldiers, the young family resettled to Rochester, NY.

Geno attended Public School #43 and St. Josaphat Ukrainian School. He started school younger than most with a bright and curious mind, skipping a grade for academic achievement. He was active in the church as an alter boy and later in the Holy Name Society. 4 years later, Geno graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School. His education instilled a life long love for learning and reading. He was also a cross country runner and soccer player at McQuaid. Attending Monroe Community College, he was a team member of the colleges’ first National Soccer Championship Team.

Proud to be an American, he volunteered to serve his adopted home through military service. As a US Marine for four years, he achieved the rank of Sergeant E5. He served two years in Vietnam during 1967, 1968 and 1969 in computer operations in Da Nang and Red Beach. He often volunteered for military convoy protection. He was in-country during the Tet Offensive.

Returning to the US, he was stationed at Quantico, Virginia. He served as a computer operations supervisor. He was awarded the National Defense Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with star; Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Good Conduct Medal; Republic Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation with palm.

As a civilian, he initially worked in computer operations for Star Supermarkets and Lightnin Mixco food stores. He later joined the computer operations at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). At NTID/RIT, Geno had a significant impact on classroom scheduling and communications operations for the college during the early days of adaptation to online education. He worked diligently as liaison for the computer operations center and online educators across all the departments at NTID. He was instrumental in creating opportunities for camaraderie outside the office, helping to form the faculty/staff slow-pitch league - on which he played for the NTID team.  He was well-respected and loved by all those who worked with him over his 30+ years of service to the Institute.  

Geno was an active member of the Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA) Chapter 20, Rochester, NY. As part of their color guard he participated in local ceremonies throughout the Rochester area, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. He also participated in the annual reading of the names of fallen heroes in both Washington and Rochester. Working with local schools, he regularly gave talks and lead discussions regarding the Vietnam war with young students. For several years, Geno rode his orange Harley Davidson motorcycle annually with fellow veterans in “Rolling Thunder” in Washington, DC, a tribute to the Missing in Action (MIA).

War can extract a heavy toll. Geno was eventually diagnosed with lung cancer from the effects of Agent Orange, a chemical used during the Vietnam war. He also developed Emphysema, requiring a steady supply of supplemental oxygen. Undeterred, he strapped oxygen tanks to his bike and traveled with a mobile oxygen maker to stay active in life.

A devoted son, Geno cared for his aging mother for 24 years after his father’s death in 1994 with a singular focus and determination. Sunday morning began with church services, Mom in the pews, Geno in the parking lot. Next stop with Mom was the cemetery to check up on his dad and the many relatives and family friends that share this final resting spot. Geno would cook a sumptuous Sunday dinner for both of them. During the afternoon, with Mom in tow, he completed a grand circuit around town, stopping along the lake to watch the ducks and the changing flow of the seasons. Eventually Geno moved back into Mom’s house to provide continuous care for the last year of her life. At age 92, she passed away in 2018.

After 75 years, Geno is remembered by friends and family for his extreme generosity, razor sharp curiosity, biting wit and gentle smile. We will always love you. Semper Fidelis, Marine, “always faithful.”

Predeceased by his parents, William and Nadia Lenyk. Geno is survived by his siblings, Oxana (Daniel) Bobeczko, William (Elizabeth) Lenyk, Michael (Virginia) Lenyk; nieces and nephews, Daniel, Andrea, Gregory, Kadience, Lauren and Nicholas; several great nieces and great nephews; cousins, Greg and Irene Hawryschuk and many beloved family and friends.

His family will receive friends Friday, August 30, 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the funeral home (570 Kings Highway So.), (Panachyda 6:30 pm) Panachyda will be held Saturday, August 31, 9:15 am followed by his Divine Liturgy 10:00 am at St. Josaphats Ukrainian Catholic Church. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. To share a memory or send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com.