Stefan Myagkota

Stefan Muhajlovich Myagkota was born on February 1, 1936 in the Ukrainian village of Hmelivka, in the Ternopil Region of Ukraine. Born into a Christian family, Stefan was the third of five children. As a child, he lived through both the German and Russian occupations of Ukraine during WWII. At age 20, he was drafted to serve in the army for two years. He served his country in a city in northern Russia where he worked to help construct buildings.

Upon returning from the army in 1958, Stefan moved to the city of Ternopil. There he met his wife Ganna and they were married in 1961. While living in Ternopil, he became fascinated with how large and tall buildings were constructed and he enjoyed learning about different methods to build these tall structures. He worked for 38 years for construction companies building many different types of buildings in the city. He took pride and joy in knowing that the buildings he helped build served his community by allowing others to study in the university, seek treatment in the hospital, worship in the church and live in the homes that he helped build. He was in charge of many large and extensive projects. He was recognized many times by the local officials as an excellent worker and professional builder. Towards the end of his career, he chose to take time off from work and, over the course of two and a half years, helped build the local community church. He was a very committed Christian and served in the church choir in Ukraine as well.

Stefan and Ganna immigrated to the United States in 1995 to join their sons in New York State. Stefan enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed being a member of the Herald of Joy Church in Central New York. He helped raise his grandchildren, taking care of them when they were home sick from school and spending time with them during the summers. He had a big heart and helped everyone whom he was able to help. As a Christian, he prayed daily for the different missionaries around the world, his family, and the church.

With his life, Stefan taught his children and grandchildren some very important lessons, one of which was that it is important to finish the projects that you start. He emulated this even in the last few years of his life, helping his children on various projects with their homes. He took pride in working with his family. He was a living testament of how to live your entire life, working with diligence. He always spent time with his family and taught them how to show love by being present in their lives.

Stefan was always interested in hearing news about Ukraine and always had hope that it would be a strong and independent country. His last moments here were spent with the family that he loved, his three sons, three daughters-in-law, five granddaughters, four grandsons, and one great-granddaughter. His last prayers with us were for peace for his family and church. He spoke of his hope and faith and the great love he had for his family.