Anton Filimonchuk

Anton Filimonchuk, of Budd Lake,N.J. passed away peacefully on December 3, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Lysynihi, Ukraine, in 1930, Anton immigrated to the United States from Communist-controlled Ukraine after World War II to escape communism. After attaining US Citizenship, he enlisted in the United States Army and fought in combat during the Korean War. His bravery was battle-tested and his valor resulted in The Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal.

After serving honorably, Anton attended the Newark School of Drafting. It was during his studies he met his future wife, Olga. They would spend 67 years together until Olga’s passing this past September at their home in Budd Lake.

Anton took an entry level position with Bell Labs after he graduated from Drafting School. Over the course of his thirty-seven year career he attained the title of Senior Design Engineer, without a formal college education. He was proud to work on projects to keep America safe while working closely with the Department of Defense at Bell Labs. Years later President Obama recognized Anton’s work with a, “Commendation for his Contributions to the US Department of Defense.”

Anton and his wife Olga remained active in the furtherance of all Ukrainians, and strongly supported the independence of Ukraine from the USSR and now Russia. They were founding members of the Saint Andrews Church and Cemetery in Bound Brook, NJ, which continues to honor Ukranian tradition. In retirement, Anton found time to enjoy fishing, gardening and helping his wife Olga manage her hair salon. His garden or as he liked to call it his “victory garden” would yield the ugliest looking tomatoes that tasted divine.

Later in life, Anton’s body began to show its age. He developed several issues that ultimately required medical intervention. However, at the time of diagnosis there was no medical treatment approved that could correct the issue. That was until President Trump signed The Right to Try Act. At the time, Anton underwent the procedure to implant the unique pacemaker to keep him alive, he was just the fifth patient in the world to receive the device. He became a walking experiment so others after him could have a better life.

As an immigrant to this country from Europe after the second world war, Anton witnessed hatred and evil unfathomable to many. He came to this country for a chance at a better life and a better life is what he left for all of us.

Knowing Anton meant knowing a truly great man. One that never spoke ill of others, was proud of his military service, proud of this country, and that his word was his bond. The tears we shed are ones of pain and joy, pain for his loss but joy for knowing that he is reunited with his wife Olga and the rest of his family.

Anton is survived by his two sons Victor and his wife Carol, and George; by his grand-children Nicholas (Erica), Matthew (Kaitlyn) and Alexis; and by his great-grand-children Hailey and Luke.

Anton’s legacy will continue through the lives he touched and people who loved him. His comforting presence and quick jokes will be missed.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Union Funeral Home - Lytwyn & Grillo.  A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church,  652 Irvington Ave., Maplewood.   Burial will follow at St. Andew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, South Bound Brook.