Obituary for Alexander Girko

Alexander Girko, 97, a resident of Sunrise of Exton, PA, died peacefully at the Neighborhood Health Hospice in West Chester, PA, on June 21, 2018, after a short and debilitating series of strokes.

Alex was born in New York City on May 15, 1921 to John and Malvina Girko who had immigrated to the USA from Russia. He received his education in the New York City school system and was a life-long learner in such disparate areas as electronics, building construction, gardening, cooking, politics, and international affairs. He married his wife of 75 years, Helen Antonowich, in NYC on November 8, 1942.

He was a US Army veteran of World War Two, posted as a radar crewman along the Gulf of Mexico on the alert for potential foreign invasions. He served as a patrolman with the New York City Police Department for twenty years. He was later employed by Englehardt Educational Consultants in North Salem, NY and Philips Research Laboratories in Briarcliff Manor, NY in office and facilities administration. He served as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician and member of the North Salem Ambulance Corps.

Alex and Helen lived for 57 years in the same house in Croton Falls NY, raising their four children there, before moving to Pennsylvania two years ago.  Alex always took pride in showing visitors the advanced building features he had installed during their home’s construction. The Croton Falls home was also the site of his extensive organic vegetable garden which provided the cucumbers and herbs for the famous Girko’s Gherkins which raised significant funds for their local church, St Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church in Wappingers Falls, NY. He was a faithful parishioner of St Gregory’s, especially remembered for the culinary feasts he would create as thanks for the mothers of the parish on Mother’s Day as well as at other times.

Alex was predeceased by his parents John and Malvina, his sister Helen, and many neighbors and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen, his loving children, Stephen (husband of Elizabeth), Tanya Danilchick (wife of Peter), John (husband of Linda), and Victoria Kolsevich (wife of John), eighteen grandchildren and their spouses, and twenty-three great-grandchildren. He was always surrounded by the many family and friends who loved him and his passion for gardening and cooking.

Viewing and a memorial service will be held at the Catagnus Funeral Home, 711 N Franklin Street, Pottstown, PA 6:00-8:00 PM Tuesday June 26, 2018. The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 1236 Juniper Street, Pottstown, PA at 10:00 AM Wednesday June 27, 2018 with internment in the Holy Trinity Church Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Pottstown, PA.