Nestor Nicholas Kostryk

Nestor Kostryk, loving son of Wasyl and Kathryn (Hnat) Kostryk, passed away on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born to Ukrainian refugee parents in Hanover, Germany, Nestor and his family immigrated to the United States in 1950 through the sponsorship of the Catholic Church. He carried immense pride in his Ukrainian American heritage for the rest of his life. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, alongside his four sisters, he attended St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Grade School and graduated from James F. Rhodes High School.

Following high school, Nestor enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he worked on the F-4 Phantom while stationed in Spain, Germany, and Libya. After his military service, he enrolled at Cleveland State University, where he met the love of his life, Nina Myhal, in a modern art history class. Nestor and Nina were blessed with 51 years of marriage and raised three loving children together.

An avid reader and gifted conversationalist, Nestor will be deeply missed by his family for his encyclopedic knowledge and gentle presence. He dedicated his career to teaching high school science in the Cleveland Public Schools. Outside the classroom, he faithfully served his parish and the Ukrainian community, including the role of Vice Commander and Welfare Officer for Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) Post 24.

Nestor is survived by his beloved wife, Nina; his daughters, Natalia Parkanzky and Melania Santos; his son, Maksym Kostryk (Peyton); and his cherished grandchildren Oleksander and Zenovia Parkanzky, Thaissa and twins Lucas and Rafael Santos; Levko and Halyna Kostryk. He was a dear brother to his sisters: Luba (Michael) DarmochwaI (deceased), Irene (Anton) Sobar, Mary (Joe) Kocurkovic and Jean (John) Waibel (deceased), and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 5 PM - 8 PM (Parastas 7 PM) at Kozij-Lazuta Funeral Home 5677 State Rd. Parma, OH 44134. Funeral Service on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 9:30 AM at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 5913 State Rd. Parma, OH 44134. Interment Brooklyn Height Cemetery.