SgtMaj Ihor Sywanyk, USMC retired

Sergeant Major Ihor Sywanyk, USMC retired, 78 of Jacksonville, NC passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Sgt Maj Ihor Sywanyk is survived by his bother Bohdan Sywanyk, nephew Adam Sywanyk and his three children, Mykola Sywanyk, Andrea Sywanyk and Larisa Woodcock. He is also survived by three grandchildren Joshua Sywanyk, Chelsie Sandford and Xander Woodcock, step grandchild Janel Lucas and step great grandchild Skyler Lucas.

Sergeant Major Ihor Sywanyk was born on July 2, 1942 in Markova, Ukraine, former Soviet Union. He was raised in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Lincoln High School where he played the saxophone and joined a Ukrainian band. Ihor and his family survived the hardships of Ukraine, fled the war and came to America through thru Ellis Island where he was reunited with his first love, Maria and started their life journey together.

Ihor enlisted in United States Marine Corps on February 1, 1964. Ihor’s USMC career started as a machinist, then served 3B billets as a recruiter in Cleveland Ohio, with two separate tours as a drill instructor in San Diego, then Parris Island where he was a Junior Senior and Series Gysgt. Ihor was also a instructor at DI school and NCOIC MSG at American Consulate Frankfurt, Germany. As Sgt Maj his duties included Rifle Range Detachment, 3rd Bn 10th Marines, Helicopter Training Squadron 302, 8th MTBn 2ndFSSG Operations Desert Storm Shield/Storm, 22 MEU and retired at MAG-26. He proudly served for 33 years!

After retirement Sgt Maj Ihor Sywanyk established Sywanyk’s Scarlet & Gold Traditions. Ihor showcased his USMC memorabilia, where he proudly displayed his collection and enjoyed years of conversation discussing military history with both civilians and other military members.

Services include visitation Sunday, August 9, 2020 at Jones Funeral Home from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. There will be Mass at Infant of Prague church on Monday, August 10, 2020 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Following mass, a Celebration of Life will be held at Sywanyk’s Scarlet & Gold Traditions from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Eulogies and toasts will be held during the Celebration of Life. Sgt. Major will be buried at the Veteran’s cemetery with military honors in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family is asking for donations to keep the Sywanyk’s Scarlet & Gold Traditions legacy alive. http://gf.me/u/ymzrtb