Myroslaw Smorodsky

. MYROSLAW SMORODSKY (11/22/1944 - 4/30/2020) It is with great sorrow that we must inform you of the sudden passing of our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Myroslaw Smorodsky. He leaves behind, in grief and sorrow, daughters Olya Matkiwsky (with husband Erik) and Tanya Rakowsky (with husband Corey), grandchildren Emma, Megan, Nina, Luka and Erik, sister-in-law Marta Kozyckyj, nieces Roxolana and Tamara Kozyckyj, extended family and countless friends in the U.S. and Ukraine. Myroslaw was preceded into heaven by his beloved wife Zoriana, father Petro and mother, Olha. Myroslaw was a co-founder and twice president of the Ukrainian American Bar Association. In the late 1970s and 1980's, he was active, in the West, in the defense of Soviet political prisoners, and was the Public Member of the U.S. Delegation to the Madrid Review Conference on the Helsinki Accords. After 1991, his work as an attorney often took him to Ukraine, where he became a friend and mentor to many young lawyers. Myroslaw served as Legal Counsel to the Ukrainian Mission to the UN, the Ukrainian Consulate in New York, and the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington. He was also an instrumental member of the legal team that secured compensation for Eastern Europeans held captive as forced laborers during WWII. It was perhaps the signature accomplishment in a fifty year career spent helping those in need -- both friends and strangers alike. Throughout his life, Myroslaw was able to find beauty and meaning in all things - be it music, modern art, or the accomplishments of his beloved grandchildren. He now rejoins his adored wife, Zirka, in heaven, where their quest for warm water, cool sand, and the perfect sunset can continue in eternity. We will never be able to replace his love, friendship, sense of humor, wise counsel, or selfless dedication to others. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are invited to make a donation to the Childrens Heart Foundation (childrensheartfoundation.org), Friends of Island Beach State Park (friendsofibsp.org), or the Ukrainian charity of their choice. ВІЧНАЯ ПАМЯТЬ. ETERNAL MEMORY. Due to current conditions, a private graveside service was held on Friday, May 8 at St Andrew's Ukrainian Cemetery. A future memorialization will be held.