Bohdan Makar

Bohdan Makar passed away after a lengthy illness on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023 with family at his side. He was 73 years old. 

He was born on August 25, 1950 in Bad Kreuznach, Germany to Kateryna (nee Sopel) and Wasyl Makar. He joined his older sister and brother, Danuta and Jaroslaw. In April 1951, the family emigrated to the United States. Upon arrival at Ellis Island, they were met by a priest from the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Makar family settled in Philadelphia and had three more children: Stephania, Nicholas and Peter. The family attended the Cathedral church and school and became an integral part of the large, growing Ukrainian community.

Bohdan made friends easily. The kids noticed that there were many named Bohdan among them, so they created nicknames to identify themselves. Bohdan became “Bojo” to his friends and the name stuck. He graduated from Roman Catholic High School and attended college. 

Bojo had a kind heart and always loved a good-spirited conversation, whether with an 8-year-old or an 80-year-old. He drew people to him of all ages, because he enjoyed spending time in their company and sharing views about sports, music, politics and current events. He loved to play sports and games, including soccer, baseball, and cards. He was an avid chess player, having competed in many tournaments.

The last few years of his life were unimaginably difficult and painful, as he battled an unexpected illness. Yet throughout it all, he always retained his kind nature and spirit, even touching the lives of his caretakers at the physical rehabilitation facility, with whom he shared his love for a good conversation. 

Bohdan was the dear brother of Danuta (Eugene) Sawicky, Stephania (Francis) Flood, Peter (Joanne), the late Jaroslaw and Nicholas; loving uncle of Michael (Dianna), goddaughter Christina (Dorian), Brett (Lina), Marissa, Jared (Alexandra) and the late Nicole; cherished great uncle of Catherine and Daniel.

In lieu of flowers, prayers for Bohdan's soul are appreciated. Bohdan followed the current war in Ukraine closely and was very proud of the way the Ukrainians were fighting, their resilience, and their ingenuity. Donations in his name to support Ukraine can be made by writing a check to the “Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia” and mailing it to 810 North Franklin Street, Philadelphia PA 19123. Please write on the check “Humanitarian Aid Fund for Ukraine in memory of Bohdan Makar.”

‘Vichnaya Pamyat,’ Bohdan. You will be missed. You have left your earthly family and are now with your heavenly one. We are sure you will find others to debate with.

Bojo's family will greet friends on December 21, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Bridgeport, PA. Requiem Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M.  Committal prayers will be held at 12:30 P.M. at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Elkins Park, PA.

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