Victor I. Washkevich, 92

U.S. Air Force, Korean War

September 29, 1930 - September 30, 2022

Above: Victor Washkevich in Hawaii, and below, in his military uniform.

Victor Washkevich, formerly of Rocky Hill, made his transition to the spirit on Friday, September 30, a day after his 92 birthday. He died peacefully at Palm Coast, Florida.

Victor was a born and bred New Yorker, the only child of Russian, Ukrainian and Polish immigrants who owned delicatessens in New York City for many years. Victor graduated from Textile High School in Manhattan, then earned his bachelor's degree at New York University. He also earned a master's degree in Communications from Boston University. While in Boston, he worked for the WGBH Educational Foundation, an American public broadcasting group established in 1951. He and his colleagues were pioneers in the early days of television and became lifelong friends.

Victor stage managed live Ballet from the Boston public garden, and participated in the production of the Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts.

He met the love of his life, Olga, in New York City, and they married shortly afterwards. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in May.

Victor served in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Korean War. He was on the diving team in the Air Force and was an accomplished diver.

He worked in the Big Apple for decades writing ad copy at various agencies. He was also a writer and contributor for The New York Times Metropolitan Diary for years, sharing his heart warming tales of growing up in the city. He traveled extensively while writing for Air France in the 1960s. Tahiti and Greece were among his favorite places.

He deeply loved his family, which lived for many years in Rocky Hill. Victor loved the peaceful small town, where he served as the auctioneer for several years at the annual Rocky Hill Bid 'n Buy.

Dad was always the optimist, he would say “you can only look forward.”

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Olga; his daughter Kathryn; sons Michael and Peter; daughter-in-law Lee; and grandson Joseph.

Victor will be laid to rest in Rocky Hill Cemetery in the spring.