Roman Kowalyk

On the morning of February 25, 2026, Roman “Ray” Kowalyk, age 76, of Cheektowaga, New York, departed this world, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, devotion, and exemplary service.

Ray was the beloved husband of 52 years to Christine “Cooper” Kowalyk; cherished father of Adam (Carrie) Kowalyk and Ashley (Stefan) Mychajliw; and immensely proud Dido (grandfather) to Maksym, Emeryk, and Victoria Mychajliw; dear brother of Andrew (Linda) Kowalyk and the late Walter Kowalyk. He was the proud American Father to Andy Kokhanovsky, and is survived by many loving nieces, nephews & friends alike.

Of 100% Ukrainian descent, Ray was born in 1949 in a labor camp in Neu-Ulm, Germany. In 1950, he immigrated to the United States aboard a military ship with his family, where he later became a proud American citizen.

In his youth, Ray was an active member of the CYM Ukrainian-American Youth Association in Buffalo, where he danced and played both the trumpet and violin. He remained a lifelong member of CYM Buffalo, devout catholic at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, and the Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center. He was also a devoted member of the Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine (ODFFU), OUN, and the Ukrainian-American Sportsman Club.

Professionally, Ray built a respected career in the horticulture field, serving in leadership roles before founding his own company, Trident Landscapes & Consulting. Known to many as “The Plant Dr.,” Ray was the trusted expert for any vegetation concern or advice and took great pride in designing beautiful landscapes for countless homes and families.

In 2014, during the Euromaidan Revolution in Ukraine, Ray felt called to fulfill a promise he had made to his parents — for Ukraine to never fall into the hands of a communist regime. With passion and conviction, he led efforts to directly support Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines and women’s and children’s hospitals, coordinating the delivery of medical supplies, clothing, and essential materials. Working alongside dedicated professionals across the East Coast and supported by generous donors who shared his love & efforts for Ukraine, Ray selflessly served for 13 years, living out his promise to his parents through action, faith, sacrifice and love. For his successful efforts, he received many proclamations and medals for the highest civilian honor from Україна.

Above all, Ray loved his family, his friends and being Ukrainian. He found joy in gardening, listening to Ukrainian music, (especially with Pops), cheering on the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills, and spending restful, yet exciting days fishing. His most enjoyable fishing outings were spent with Myron and Roman Prystajko.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 27, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with Eulogy given by Adam Kowalyk & Panachyda Service by Fr. Marijan beginning @ 7:00 PM, at New Comer Funeral Home, 5090 Transit Road, Depew, NY 14043. A Mass/Church Service will take place at 10:00 AM at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 308 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14206. The funeral will be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube page for all who loved Ray across America and Ukraine to view.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church for their roof fund.

Вічна пам’ять — Everlasting Memory — Roman.Слава Україні!(Glory to Ukraine! Героям слава! (To the heroes-glory!)

Churches Youtube page for the funeral: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHFrKKv_GWs6U-EfD7TctIA/live