Obituaries

John Waskewicz

John Waskewicz
John Waskewicz

John Waskewicz, a longtime resident of the Wading River community, passed away Feb. 22, 2016. He was surrounded by family as he surrendered to join his beloved wife, Joan Chudiak Waskewicz, who predeceased him in 2011. John was 84.

John was born in Wading River in 1932 to Walter and Mary Waskewicz. He graduated from Port Jefferson High School in 1949. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Wading River, where he served as an usher for many decades.

John’s greatest love was the fire department. He was most admired for his dedication to the Wading River Fire Department, where he was a lifetime member, serving as a director, department secretary and a member and past captain of the fire police. He was made an honorary chief after 50 years of service in 2000 and was also credited with 66 years of service. John was also a delegate to the North Fork Volunteer Firefighters Association and the Brookhaven Town Fire Police Association. His fellow firemen were a blessing in the lives of John’s family. Their devotion to him is a source of great appreciation to the family.

John is survived by his children, Deborah Waskewicz and Kathleen Waskewicz-Cascio, and his sons-in-law, Michael Smith and Lawrence Cascio. John was also the honorary father and friend of Michael D’Onofrio. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Nicole, Lauren, Stephanie and David. John was predeceased by his brothers, Walter, Frank, Henry and Tony, and his sister Mary Kosciuszko. He is survived by his wonderful sister Florence and sisters-in-law, Emma and Louise. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including a fellow fireman, Peter Waskewicz.

The family received visitors at Alexander-Tuthill Funeral Home in Wading River. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. John the Baptist, followed by a beautiful farewell tribute at the Wading River fire house. John was cremated and his burial, to take place at a later date, will be private.

This is a paid notice.