Roman (Ronnie) Budnyk

North Hutchinson Island, FL – Roman (Ronnie) Budnyk entered into eternal life on Friday, April 5, 2024 with his devoted wife Wanda and loving daughters Cindy, and Donna by his side.  Born in Oliiw, Ukraine, to Pavlov and Anna Budnyk, he was the youngest of 4 siblings:  Joseph, Mary, Christine and Roman.  His family attempted to flee Ukraine when Roman was a very young child. World War II was coming to an end and the Germans and Russians were actively fighting.  Tragically during this attempt, his mother, Anna was mortally wounded by crossfire.  After the war ended, they were placed in a displaced person camp in Germany and eventually he immigrated to the United States with his father and his sister, Christine.  The immigration was possible after sponsorship from John Kalynovych, a cousin of his brother in law, William Lemega.  Roman remained close with John and was eternally grateful for his sponsorship and the opportunity it afforded him to live in the United States of America.  He understood all too well the privilege bestowed upon him by living in a democratic, free state.   He loved this country and made it his own. He understood what it meant to live free and he understood that with hard work, he could build something for himself and his family.  

He attended trade school to become a mechanic as he loved working on cars and restoring them.  However, this would not turn out to be his true calling, as those who knew him were well aware of his love for music and dance.  As a teenager he learned to play the accordion on his own without formal instruction. He also learned the art of ballroom dancing  and became an instructor at The Arthur Murray School of Dance. It would be this skill that would ultimately attract the love of his life, Wanda Jasinska.  They met at a Polish dance club in Irvington, NJ and eloped 5 months later.  They danced on during the rest of their 64 year marriage, turning heads at weddings and seeking one another when their song played, “Spanish Eyes.” 

Roman was dedicated to working hard and providing for his family even if it meant 7 days a week/ 365 days a year including holidays.  His work ethic was unrivaled as he provided for his family and instilled his work ethic upon his family.  He was employed for 46 years as a union truck driver for the same company Standard Tallow, later to become Darling International of Newark, NJ.  He retired in 2006 and shortly thereafter, his company pleaded for his return, offering to pay all expenses to do so.  Roman declined as he was already living in his dream home on North Hutchinson Island, Florida.

He purchased this home in 1982 with the intention of moving after retirement.  It was Roman’s paradise, his oasis and the home he was so proud to own.  He waited 25 years before finally retiring and realizing his dream by moving into it in 2006.  

Roman loved his family.  He was a simple, no nonsense man, often quoting the phrase “horse-feathers.”  He possessed an innate understanding of human behavior and guided his family to make sound decisions.  All who knew him, loved him and his sense of humor was infectious.  Family members remember him fondly as the “fun” uncle.  He loved nature, the outdoors, gardening, old cars and current news events.  He was extremely generous to many charities, including St Jude, Veteran organizations and local emergency services.

Roman leaves behind his loving wife Wanda; his daughters Cindy Budnyk-Bloyd, Franklin Park, NJ (Timothy) and Donna Budnyk-McHale, Orlando, Fl.  He has two brother-in-laws whom he raised as his own when they were young children after the passing of their mother;  Julius Dunajewski (Alethea), Branford, FL., and Jurand Dunajewski, Edison, NJ.  He is known as Dziadzu (Grandfather) to his grandchildren, Laryssa Bloyd, Courtney McHale and Kevin McHale; and by Prad-Dziadzu to his great grandson, Luka (Laryssa Bloyd). He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews including Roman Lemega, the late Jerry Lemega, Irene Rainier,  Andrew Drebych, Christopher Drebych, Cassie and Jake Dunajewksi and Richard Dunajewski.  

A funeral mass will be held at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 407 S 33rd St., Ft. Pierce, FL. on Thursday, April 11th @ 10am.