Philip W. Antonuk Sr., 88, of Tewksbury

Obituary Courtesy Tewksbury Funeral Home

Philip Walter Antonuk Sr, age 88, a Tewksbury resident for the last six decades, died peacefully at his home on Friday morning, August 7, from an apparent heart attack. He was the beloved husband for 43 years of Florence (Yurewicz) Antonuk, who died in 1997.

He was born in Somerville in January 1927, the youngest of five sons of the late Samuel S. and Vasila (Benderska) Antonuk . Philip remained proud of his Ukrainian heritage throughout his life. Raised in Somerville, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy during WWII, and served aboard the USS Donner in the Atlantic. He was decorated with the WWII Victory and the American Theater Medals. He had resided in Tewksbury since 1955.

Philip worked as a prototype machinist in the aerospace program at Avco/Textron in Wilmington until his retirement.

He was a life-member of the Winter Hill Yacht Club in Somerville, and the Tewksbury-Wilmington Elks Lodge 2070. Phil was proud of the unique home he created from a hunting lodge on the banks of the Shawsheen River. As a hobby, he restored antique automobiles, and his flower and vegetable gardens were the envy of all who visited his beautiful home. But Phil simply wanted to be remembered as a family man, proud of the accomplishments of his sons and grandson.

He leaves two sons and a daughter-in-law, Philip W. Antonuk Jr of Castle Rock, Colorado, and David J. Antonuk and his wife, Rev. Cynthia (Fraser) Antonuk of Gloucester; his beloved grandson, Christopher Antonuk of Gloucester; many nieces and nephews; and was predeceased by his brothers, James, John, Joseph, and Michael.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 4-8 p.m. in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Streets (Rte. 38), Tewksbury Center.

His funeral will begin Thursday, Aug. 13, at 10:45 a.m. from the Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 Noon in St. Dorothy’s Church, corner of Harndon and Main Streets (Rte. 38) Wilmington. Burial with Navy Honors will be held in St. Mary Cemetery, No. Tewksbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of donors choice will be appreciated.