Charlotte – Mr. Paliyenko, age 83, passed away May 7, 2013 at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, encircled by the love of his wife and children. He was born in Skernewice, Poland on July 26, 1929 of Ukrainian parents, the late Oleksandra Krat Paliyenko and the late Mykola Paliyenko. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his infant daughter, Roksolana Andria and his brother, Wasyl.
His early childhood was one of privilege and stability until the onslaught of Word Ward II. The world changed, and his life changed. His father was killed in 1944 as a Major in the Ukrainian army. Paul and his mother became refugees, as their home was bombed, and the German army advanced. As a teenager, he survived the brutality of a German forced labor camp. And ultimately, he, together with his mother and brother, Wasyl spent three years in a Displaced Persons Camp in Salzburg, Austria, awaiting the opportunity to immigrate to Canada. They came in 1948 with virtually the clothes on their backs, to begin a new life in a new country, and not speaking English.
He worked three jobs, had a tutor for English, and enrolled in a Chemical Engineering program at the University of Toronto in 1949, achieving a M.Sc. in that field in 1954. By then, he had met the love of his life, Leslie, with whom he was to spend the next 58 years. They were married on June 5, 1954 and began their married life in Kingston, Ontario. Three children joined the family. Three more were to follow.
Career opportunities brought them to Charlotte in 1958 when Paul joined Celanese Corp. as a young engineer. He was one of the startup team for Fiber Industries, Inc. in Shelby, NC and was relocated back to Charlotte in 1964. Paul loved his work, eagerly anticipated every day, and as the company changed and ultimately became Hoechst Celanese, Paul met the challenges of the changing landscape. He retired in 1997 after 39 years, respected by his colleagues, and proud of his accomplishments.
In retirement, his greatest joy, apart from his family, was the farm in rural South Carolina; a great gathering place for family and friends. His ashes will be scattered on the fields and pastures that he once walked. Paul was a member of the Sharonview Federal Credit Union Board for 28 years, and upon his resignation from the Board last week, was named Director Emeritus, an honor he cherished.
His credo in life was “Never give up, never give in”. Paul lived that throughout his life to the very end. He will be remembered as a gentleman, thoughtful, fun-loving, the consummate host who loved life, his beloved Leslie, his wonderful children and grandchildren, and those many friends who graced his life with their love and friendship. Fiercely proud of their Ukrainian heritage, Paul and Leslie maintained their cultural identity, and passed it on to their children as a lasting legacy. Paul Paliyenko leaves a great void. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
He is survived by his loving wife, Leslie Paliyenko; his children, Ava Paliyenko Gritzuk (Torry) of Charlotte, Adrianna Paliyenko (Volodymyr Kurylo) of Oakland, ME, Paul Nicholas Paliyenko of Raleigh, NC, Alexa Paliyenko of Morganton, NC, Annalisa Paliyenko of New York, NY and Peter Paliyenko of Wilmington, DE; grandchildren, Ludmila Paliyenko-Sherman of Portland, ME, Yuriy Paliyenko-Sherman of Wilmington, DE, Natalia Provencher of Oakland, ME and Nicholas Gritzuk of Virginia Beach, VA; nephew, Peter Palijenko (Andria) of Toronto, Canada; and brother-in-law, John Sawka (Kristine) of Naples, FL.
The family is deeply grateful for the wonderful, compassionate care provided by the medical and nursing staff at Matthews Medical Center and by Drs. Martin Cutrone and John Crawford.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013 in the sanctuary of St. Gabriel Church with Father Francis O’Rourke officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Opera Carolina or the charity of one’s choice.
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