Michael A. Nimchuk

Michael A. Nimchuk (Mike) passed away suddenly on Friday, May 22, 2020 at the age of 76. He was born on March 19, 1944 in Jamna, Ukraine to Mykola and Olha (Onufryjiw).  Michael immigrated to the United States after World War II, settling in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia.  He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Medical Unit in Fort Hood, Texas during the Vietnam War.  When his military service was complete, Mike continued to serve his community as a Philadelphia Police Officer for 30 years.  Mike never would call out of work sick and prided himself on his appearance with a respect for the uniform.  His shirts were always ironed crisply (thanks to his wife) and his shoes were always shiny black (thanks to his hard work).  He always looked like perfection when he left for work.  

Mike was an excellent cook. He enjoyed cooking for his family, especially during the Christmas and Easter holiday seasons.  His family benefited from his expertise in the kitchen everyday, with him making even liver taste good!  Our favorite was waking up on Saturday morning to the smell of Crepes cooking.  They were so light and flavorful, we would literally eat 10-15 at a time!  Mike would always make sure his family was eating good, home-cooked food, even when he was away working his 4pm-12am shift.  We would come home to the dinner already pre-made before he left for his shift.  It was truly a treat to eat his food with all of the love that he put into it. 

When Mike wasn’t cooking, he was enjoying the outdoors.  He loved playing golf and would travel for hours to remote golf courses just to say he had been there.  Unfortunately he had to stop golfing prematurely because his bad shoulders just wouldn’t allow him to swing the golf club effectively.  Instead, he just spent more time on his next favorite hobby, antiquing (I really mean “junking”).  He knew the schedule for every auction, flea market and garage sale in the tri-state area and would go there rain or shine.  He would come home with a truckload of “good stuff” and have to create more room in the shed with more shelves.  Who could forget the 2000 pieces of kitchen cabinet hardware, 500 leather skirts or most recently 250 Barbie dolls for his 1 granddaughter!

Mike was certainly a regimented individual as well.  He woke up religiously at 4:30 am in order to make it to the gym on a daily basis (mind you, this was only feasible because his bedtime was 7:30 pm every night).  After working out, he would relax in the steam room and the pool, where he was known by all as the “mayor of the pool”, enjoying the company of all of his gym buddies. 

Many people don’t realize that Mike was a professional photographer (in his own mind).  He literally had at least 5 or 6 professional quality, German-made cameras, as well as more lenses for the cameras than he knew what to do with.  On any special occasion, Mike had his camera ready for action, and it didn’t even matter if you wanted your picture taken or not, he was going to document you were there.  This embarrassed many of us, but at least we have the memories on film.  The only drawback was that since he was the one taking the pictures, that meant that he wasn’t in them.

Most of all, Mike was truly an honorable man amongst men.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  Even on the streets of Philadelphia, he was known to give handouts to those in need while he was working, even though his co-workers said they would just buy drugs.  He was generous to all of his friends and family as well.  Giving his time and helping out as much as he could, he was a true role model and will be sadly missed by those who were lucky enough to know him.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Olga (Catherine), sons, Mark (Hildaliz) and John, sister Mary and two grandchildren, Mia and Max.  He is also survived by many brothers and sisters in law.

Mike's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday July 28, 2020 at 9:30 AM at Maternity BVM Church.  Military Honors will be rendered at 11:30 AM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.  Committal prayers will follow.

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