CHOLONIUK, Leo Choloniuk

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved, father, grandfather, uncle and brother on January 23, 2026 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. Leo was hardworking, dedicated and fearless. He was a loving husband to Valentina for 68 years, a devoted father to Terry (Patti) and Tania (Rolf) and a doting Dido to Stosh(Stephanie), Stefan, Alexis, Mackenzie(Austin) and Melissa, as well as a loyal brother to Felix and Luba .

He was born in Koschari, Ukraine and was a survivor of WWII. In 1945 when Germany invaded Ukraine, Leo along with his older brother Felix were sent to work on farms in Germany splitting up the family for several years. Like so many displaced families it would be a long time before he would see his parents, brother and sister again. The war ended, the family reunited and were offered passage to Canada. Their boat landed in Halifax and they went by train to Toronto to start a new life.

Leo was a talented athlete and loved to play soccer. In fact, he played on 2 Ukrainian soccer teams consecutively. It was this sport that led him to meet a lovely lady named Valentina who would eventually become his wife. He began work at General Motors as many newcomers to Canada did at the time and flourished within the Ukrainian Community as well as being a dedicated member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church, where he sang in the choir for over 50 years. Leo loved politics, enjoyed a good game of cards, reading about world history, watching old movies (especially the Three Stooges) fixing cars, and dancing the polka.He always had a twinkle in his eye, a very curious mind, and a great sense of humour (he always told jokes that made you think). He even enjoyed helping with the dishes! In his lifetime, he designed and built 2 homes, worked tirelessly at the family cottage, and started many successful businesses.

The cottage on Gull Lake was his pride and joy and he spent many summers there updating and fixing things so that each summer it would be ‘just right’. Leo along with his wife (and business partner) opened up a fabric shop at the East end of town (now known as Courtice). They called it Valeo Fabrics and Leo left his job at General Motors to focus on this venture full time. With Valentina at his side, they sold Ladies wear, Children’s clothing and went into the Drapery business all of which was so successful that they were able to open one more store and that is when the legacy of Val’s Bridal was born. He could and did fix everything and anything, he was self taught. His mind was constantly in motion and he was always ready for his next challenge to build or repair something. Sitting still was not part of his DNA.His heart was full of kindness generosity and love for his friends and family. After passing the running of the family business to his son Terry he retired to the country and began raising chickens and became interested in bee keeping.

He will be sadly missed by his friends and family.

We would like to thank the kind and incredible care he has received from the staff at The Village of Taunton Mills, as well as the 4th and 5 th floor Nursing staff at Lakeridge Health Oshawa.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. with Panachyda at 7 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). A Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, Febuary 3, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Interment to follow at Thornton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask that you consider a donation to St. John The Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church. https://www.stjohnoshawa.org/

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