This story is part of a KYW Newsradio series looking back on how the war in Ukraine continues to affect the Philadelphia region a year after the Russian invasion.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The war in Ukraine has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, including foreign-born volunteer combatants. The parents of a South Jersey native who was among those killed in battle have spent the last year trying to cope with their loss and carry on his legacy.
For Kathy and George Lucyszyn, whose 31-year-old son Luke was killed last summer in Russia’s war with Ukraine, finding an opportunity for healing continues to be a challenge. Each day’s news cycle shows continuing devastation and loss of life in Ukraine.
“So much heartache. We keep thinking the phone's going to ring and it's going to be him,” said Kathy last week Friday.
Luke Lucyszyn, a native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, didn’t tell his parents about his plans to volunteer to fight in Ukraine. They say he couldn’t stand by as the people of his grandparents’ homeland endured the onslaught of attacks from the Russian army.
She and her husband, who now live in North Carolina, say they want to see the conflict come to an end. And though they understand that people may feel the need, as Luke did, to volunteer and fight, they fear more families will experience similar tragedy.
“You know, I pray every night for no more deaths, no more destruction, and for people in Ukraine to be able to rebuild their lives,” Kathy said.
With no military experience, Luke went to Ukraine and trained for a few short weeks last April. In June, Luke was one of two Americans killed in a Russian ambush on an international brigade in the Donetsk region.
The father of two was living in South Carolina when he volunteered. His death is especially difficult for his 8-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.
“His daughter draws pictures and says, ‘This is Daddy,’ you know — so, it's … it's been hard, really hard,” said Kathy.
Related
Kathy says the family is determined to keep Luke’s memory alive — especially for her grandchildren.
“Well, he was a hero for sure,” she said. “He went over there to help people. And I think that that's probably what you would want them to know — is that it's important to help people.”
In the last year, Luke’s family has taken steps toward healing. They sprinkled Luke’s ashes in places dear to his heart. They hosted a celebration of life, which hundreds of people attended — many of whom had never met Luke but wanted to show love and support to the family.
Luke’s parents say they want to honor his legacy by continuing to do good in his name.
“We're having a charity golf tournament for him in June,” said Kathy “and the money is going to help build tiny homes for homeless veterans in the Myrtle Beach area.”
Each 144 square-foot home — built at cost of $15,000 — has only two rooms: a bathroom and a living area. Kathy said they have been hard at work, securing sponsorships and donations to make the tournament happen so they can build a house in Luke's name.
She says it’s a fitting tribute to Luke’s, whose memory they are holding onto for his son and daughter, “so that, when they’ve finally gotten to the age where they're old enough to understand, we'll be able to present what he was like, and what he did, in such a way that it'll be a lasting memory.”
Related
