Zenko L. Romanec

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Zenko Romanec, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who died on Sunday, January 25, 2026.  Zenko was 70 years old.

Zenko was born on July 14, 1955, in Ingolstadt, Germany, to the late Michael and Maria (Luszko) Romanec.  In December 1959, he immigrated to the United States with his parents, two brothers, and sister.  He attended grade school at the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and later graduated from Roman Catholic High School.  Zenko began his career at Bearings Incorporated and later worked for Pruyn Bearings Company, Inc., in Philadelphia, from which he retired.

In his youth, Zenko enjoyed vacationing in Margate City, New Jersey, and the Pocono Mountains.  He also cherished weekends spent with family at the Ukrainian American Youth Association Oselia in Ellenville, New York.

Zenko was a devoted father to his son, Christopher, and daughter, Jessica.  He shared his love of fishing with his children and vacationing with them in places such as Ocean City, MD.  He enjoyed attending sporting events, especially his son’s baseball games and his daughter’s softball games.  He later enjoyed family vacations to Williamsburg, VA and traveled to Ukraine to visit family and friends. 

Zenko was predeceased by his parents; his older brothers, Yuriy and Bohdan (Bo); his niece, Christine Romanec; his nephew, Jurij Leskiw; and his great-nephew, Michael Jr. He is survived by his son, Christopher (Kate), and his daughter, Jessica, as well as her son, Noah, his first grandson.

He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Lesia, whom he had been close to since childhood, lovingly known as her “shadow.”  Zenko is further survived by many nieces and nephews, including Michael and Taras; Adrian (Elizabeth); Natalia (Andrew); Ksenia (Myron); and Luda.  He was a proud great-uncle to Bianca, Alexander, Andrew Jr., Leanna, Cassandra, Caleb, Lev, Sonia, and Makar.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church in Warrington, Pennsylvania.  Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

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