Wasyl Gorbonos
May 10, 1928 – June 11, 2025

Wasyl Gorbonos, 97, passed away peacefully at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. He is predeceased by his wife, Elfriede Cherveny, and daughter, Margaret Gorbonos. He is survived by his loving and devoted daughter, Ilona Bragdon, and her husband Robert Bragdon, his granddaughter Julie Hammer, her husband Noa, and their three daughters (Ruby, Mila, and Lucy), and his granddaughter Anoli Bragdon, with whom he shared a special bond. Born on May 10, 1928, in Poltava, Ukraine, to Jackim and Katarina Gorbonos, Wasyl lived a life marked by quiet strength, resilience, and devotion to those he loved.

As a teenager, Wasyl and his father were taken to a German labor camp during World War II—a dark time that also sparked the beginning of his lifelong skills in mechanics and driving. After the war, he met his wife, Elfriede, and together they began their family. Their first daughter, Ilona, was born in Germany before they immigrated to Montreal, Canada in search of a better future. There, they welcomed their second daughter, Margaret. Soon after, they relocated to Somerville, Massachusetts, to be closer to Wasyl's father before his passing. They later moved to Dorchester and eventually settled in Winthrop, where they built a modest home.

A man of loyalty and hard work, Wasyl held many jobs before finding his place at the Necco candy company, where he remained for 32 years, working his way up to be the head candy cook. He officially became a U.S. citizen in 1988 and, after retiring, moved to Nashua, New Hampshire in 1998.

Though he never became fluent in English, Wasyl taught himself more than most ever attempt—plumbing, car repair, electrical work, construction, and even how to cook and bake in his 80s. He had a fierce independence, and capable mind and lived with a practical creativity that came through in everything he touched.

Wasyl spoke openly about his past, often sharing vivid stories from his youth and the war. He was most at peace in his yard, meticulously tending to his plants and lawn, or sitting in his driveway enjoying the company of neighbors and friends. His presence was quiet but steady—a man who lived simply, loved deeply, and always tried to do good in the ways he knew how.

In the latter years of his life, he had suffered from dementia and was lovingly cared for by family and friends, who tended to his every need and more.  Over the past year his caregivers truly provided much joy to his life, and the Hospice House staff were committed to keeping his comfort in his final days. He will be missed deeply by those who knew him and loved him.

Memorial visitation hours will be held at the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack on Monday, June 16th, 2025 from 5 – 7 PM with a service to follow in the funeral home chapel at 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate) or the Community Hospice House (https://www.hhhc.org/how-to-help/memorial-gifts/).