Obituary for
Josaphat Modest Korchinski
KORCHINSKI, Rev. Fr. Josaphat (Joe) -
Peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at age 85 years. Fr. Joe will be fondly remembered and lovingly missed by his wife Joan (Artymko) of 55 years, children Andrea (Kirk), Daniel (Gudrun), Connie (Greg), Peter (Claudette), Matthew (Stacey), Laska (Sam), grandchildren Regis, Renee, Reece, Jordon, Katherine, Ryan, Alexandra, Adrianna, Sophia, Laura, Max, Emily, great-granddaughters Nalaya and Malaysia, his twin brother Augustus (Cathy) and sister Diane (Roy). He is predeceased by his parents Walter and Stephania, stepfather Michael Tutunyk and sister Rosemarie (Roy). Ordained to the Diaconate September 23, 1983 and to the Priesthood March 13, 2004, Fr. Joe enriched the lives of many through his prayer and spiritual counsel. The family thanks Doctors and staff of Sunnybrook Hospital, Markham Stouffville Hospital Chemo Clinic and CCAC caregivers Armin and Karen for their compassion and care. Resting at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 515 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, on Tuesday, August 15, 2017. Visitation from 4-9 p.m. Rosary at 7 p.m. Parastas at 7:30 p.m. Divine Liturgy at Holy Eucharist Church on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 10 a.m. Interment at Prospect Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Holy Eucharist Catholic Church or Bishop Velychkovsky Martyr’s Shrine would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences at newediukfuneralhome.com. VICHNAYA PAMYAT
Life Story for Josaphat Modest Korchinski
Father Josaphat (Joe) Korchinski was born on September 22, 1931 in Toronto, Ontario and grew up in Mt Dennis in the west end of the city. Along with his twin brother, Augustus (Gus), he attended St. Rita’s Catholic and Perth Public Elementary schools. As a teenager, he enjoyed and excelled in a variety of sports. In his teen years he played baseball and had an arm for pitching, he also played soccer and loved to play billiards with snooker being his favourite. His first job was working at a gas station and he later held some interesting jobs working as a bowling pin setter and movie theatre usher – giving rise to his love of old movies. Fr. Joe attended the University of Toronto and graduated with a P. Eng degree in Electrical Engineering in 1956.
His first job as an electrical engineer took him to Chalk River, a site already renowned for its troubles with radiation leaks, leaving before the occurrence of the 2nd Chalk river explosion in 1958. In 1957 he returned to Toronto to find safer ground working for the Scarborough Public Utilities, which he stayed with until his retirement in 1987, but not before becoming the Director of Engineering. Fr. Joe was a chartered member of the Knights of Columbus of Holy Eucharist Council 7742 since 1950.
Fr. Joe had always wanted to join the Canadian Armed Forces, and in 1966, at the age of 35 the opportunity arose for him to join the Army Reserves REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering). He stayed with the reserves, working himself through the ranks reaching Colonel Qualified. It was at this time that Major Korchinski decided, as he liked to put it, to switch armies – and join God’s Army. In and about 1980 he was teaching Bible study, when he was encouraged by the Redemptorist Fathers to join the Deaconate. He entered the Deaconate in 1983 and served in that Ministry for 22 years – before being ordained to the Priesthood in 2004.
Fr. Joe was an eloquent writer and speaker, avid reader, professional researcher and gifted in delivering sermons. He loved books and surrounded himself with a vast library. As a Priest, he loved to encourage people to participate in the Sacraments of the Church, in particular Reconciliation and Holy Communion. One of the great joys of his Ministry was visiting the sick and imprisoned. Scholarly, silver tongued and modest (his middle name), he had many gifts, and was always there to help. While his Vocational life was filled with rich and meaningful pursuits, he was foremost a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Near or far, he could always be counted on to offer spiritual guidance, prayer and a peaceful presence.
He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
