In Loving Memory of George Chuchra August 4, 1932 – April 2, 2025

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of George Chuchra, a beloved husband, father and grandfather. George passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a life defined by love, dedication and service.

George was the devoted husband of Irene Chuchra (née Onuferko) for an extraordinary 69 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, joy and faith, raising their family in northern New Jersey.

George is survived by his cherished wife, Irene and his loving children: Xenia, Alexander (Bohdanna) and Mark (Irene). He was the proud grandfather of Daniel and Peter, who brought him immense happiness and pride.

Born on August 4, 1932, in the village of Volchyshchovychi, Ukraine, George was the son of Antin and Daria Chuchra (née Kushnir) and brother to the late Irene (Solczanyk) and Tania (Pash). George's early life in Ukraine was shaped by the challenges of war and displacement, but his resilience and spirit shone through as his family immigrated to the United States in 1952. Arriving at Ellis Island aboard the USNS General D.P. Haan, they began their new life in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

In 1956, George married Irene, and together they embarked on a journey of love and partnership that spanned nearly seven decades. They resided in Rutherford and Short Hills, New Jersey, where they nurtured a close-knit family and strong ties to their community.

George had a remarkable career as a civil and structural engineer, dedicating over 40 years to his craft. Among his proudest achievements was his work on the Ukrainian Cultural Center in South Bound Brook, NJ—a project close to his heart and one that symbolized his commitment to preserving and promoting Ukrainian culture. It is fitting that his final resting place will be across the creek from this treasured landmark, at St. Andrew Ukrainian Cemetery.

A lifelong member of Plast, the Ukrainian Scouting Organization, George embodied the principles of service, leadership and community. He was known for his talent in competitive ping pong, his love of nature, and his passion for skiing.

George's life was a testament to hard work, love for his heritage and devotion to his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to one of the following charities:

(1)  Canada-Ukraine Foundation.  CUFoundation.ca > Donate online to "CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal" Fund and memo "In memory of George Chuchra"

(2)  Ukrainian Congress of America:  Checks can be made out to "UCCA-Humanitarian Aid" with a memo note "in memory of George Chuchra" and mailed to: 203 Second Avenue, NY, NY 10003  or online at https://www.mightycause.com/story/M1wzpf

(3)  Plast (Ukrainian Scouting):  "In memory of George Chuchra" at https://scoutsforukraine.org/, an initiative within Plast that provides humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. Vichnaya Pamyat!

The schedule of services is as follows:

Friday, April 11, 2025

Visitation: 12:00 Noon

Panakhyda / Wake Service: 1:00 PM

Lilly and Zeiler Funeral Home, 1901 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231

Funeral Mass:  Immediately following Wake (2:00 p.m.) at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church at 2401 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Burial:  11:30 a.m. at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery (left side when driving into the cemetery, about ¾ of the way to the back)

280 Main St, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880