Riasaphor Vladimir Walter Poszywak, 70, Father at Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
Riasaphor Vladimir Walter “Wally” Poszywak, 70, of Lorain fell asleep in the Lord, Sunday, May 29, 2016, in his home following a sudden illness.
He was born December 5, 1945 in Lorain and was a lifelong resident. Walter graduated from Admiral King High School in 1965. He studied art at Lorain Community College. In 1965 he went to work at the U S Steel Lorain Works then he enlisted in the U. S. Airforce. After Walter was honorably discharged he went back to the mill and worked there as a Certified Machinist and as a Roll Fitter until he retired in 2000.
Walter was a devoted son and brother, even though, God was the center of his life. He became a Vested Reader and Sub-deacon in September 11, 1988 by Bishop Anthony at St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Lorain.
In 1996 Walter graduated from a program at St. Stevens Extension Studies on Teachings of Orthodox Theology from the Antochian Orthodox Church. Then in 1999 graduated from a Deacon’s Program from the Cleveland Deanery of Orthodox Church in America at St. John Orthodox Monastery on Hiram in 1999.
Walter was Tonsured a Raisaphor Monk by Archbishop Job on June 9, 2002 in Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Lorain, Where he, Father Vladimir continued to serve until his passing. Vladimir assisted Father Basil Stoyka in the Yearly Outreach to new and returning students at Oberlin College. For five years was the Orthodox Arts Director and Instructor at St. Tikhon’s Summer Camp in St. Tikhon’s Monastery and Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. He taught the history and making of Orthodox Prayer Beads.
Wally will be deeply missed by his brother Alan M. (Kathy) Poszywak of Lakewood; a niece Melissa and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Walter J. and Katherine (née Sarabacka) Poszywak and a sister Kathleen Solomon.
His family will receive friends Friday, June 3 from 2 to 7 PM in Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 2238 East 32nd Street, Lorain. A Parastas is scheduled for 6:30 PM Friday evening. Friends may also call Saturday from 9 AM until time of his funeral service at 10 AM. Father Joseph McCartney, Pastor and Father Basil Stoyka, Pastor Emeritus will officiate. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.
His family suggests memorial contributions to Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 2238 East 32nd Street, Lorain, Ohio 44055 or in St. Tikhon’s Monastery and Seminary, 175 St. Tikhons Rd, South Canaan, PA 18459
Funeral arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain (440) 277-8164. For further information and to sign the online register book, see Reidyfuneral.com.