Henry Hryszczuk

Henry Hryszczuk, 84, Rockford, passed away on Monday (his favorite day of the week), April 8, 2024, in his home on the day of the solar eclipse.  Born on September 3, 1939, in Sucovy, Belarus, a small village on the eastern border of Poland, he was the eldest son of Wesley and Wiera (Pucykowicz) Hryszczuk.  His September 3,1939 birthday coincided with the beginning of WWII as Nazi Germany invaded Poland. When he was six, his family with one horse and wagon, made the great escape from their oppressed life in Communist Russia- only to be captured by the Nazis at the Czech border. They were dispersed throughout Germany as laborers in farms and factories. At war’s end they were relocated to various deportation camps where they lived as political refugees for six more years. Henry spent his elementary education in German schools.  When he was 12, an opportunity of a lifetime was presented when the Hryszczuk family were selected to go to America. 

 In Rockford Henry attended East High School where he proceeded to become a football and soccer star with an all female fan club. According to a former teacher, his astounding good looks often disrupted the girls in the class and landed him in detention in the hallway.  Upon graduation Henry worked alongside his mother Wiera at the National Lock factory.  The company sponsored him in an electronics program that prepared him for his future. Henry went on become a successful electrical contractor in Rockford for 30 years. On October 25, 1958, after persistent pursuit, Henry married Maria Nekrasewich. Happiness followed with the birth of their daughters: Katherine Lynn, Susan Kay and Nancy Ann.  

 Happily married to Maria for 65 years, they were blessed with eight grandsons and one granddaughter. Henry and Maria spent decades traveling to Boston, Cape Cod, Colorado Springs, Chicago, Peewaukee and numerous vacation spots to spend time with their daughters and grandchildren.  Outside of his devotion to his family, Henry was an avid gardener, fisherman, hunter and jack of all trades. There was nothing Henry couldn’t do.

 He is survived by his loving wife Maria; his daughters, Katherine Irwin, Nancy (Barry) Livingston, nine grandchildren and sister Olga Karmelowicz. Predeceased by his parents, his brother Tom and his daughter, Susan Morley.

Visitation will begin at 9am followed by the funeral service at 10:00am on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, with the Reverend Fr. Jonathan Bannon, of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. 

 A special thank you to the wonderful folks at Sanctuary Hospice; namely Becky, Ron and Isabella.  They offered much comfort, support and love to Henry and his family.   Donations to Sanctuary Hospice would be greatly appreciated. https://www.sanctuaryhospiceil.com/make_a_donation.php