Mikolaj Filewicz

Mikolaj Filewicz, affectionately known as Nick and cherished by all who knew him, passed away on March 27, 2026 at the age of 95.

Born on January 10, 1931, in Berezka, Mikolaj was the son of the late Eliasz Filewicz and the late Maria Filewicz, née Hryckowian. He was raised in Berezka, where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide him throughout his life. In March of 1960, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Passaic, beginning a new chapter with courage and determination. He later made his home in Clifton, where he lived for more than 60 years and became a familiar and respected presence in the community.

Mikolaj was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Maria, née Smolak. Together they built a loving family that was the center of his life. He is survived by his children, Anna Sydor; Irene Rusynko and her husband, Orest; Myron Filewicz and his life partner, Stephanie Wengryn, and his former wife, Maria Filewicz; Lesia Glodava and her husband, John; and Genia Maksymiw and her husband, Michael. He was a proud grandfather to Tatiana McGrath and her husband, Russell; Larissa Sydor and her fiancé, Noel Oliveras; Oksana D'Andrea and her husband, Tom; Christina Filewicz; Rostyslaw Sydor; Nicholas Glodava and his wife, Adriana; Dr. Mark Glodava and his fiancée, Dr. Tamara Pavlovic; Gabriel Maksymiw; Nathaniel Maksymiw; and Stefan Filewicz. He also delighted in his great-grandchildren, Eliana Oliveras and Leo D'Andrea. He is survived by his sisters, Julia Jaroszak and Maria Baran.

Before his retirement, Mikolaj worked for many years as a Final Inspector with Servometer Corp. of Cedar Grove, where he was known for his dependability, skill, and strong work ethic. He took pride in doing his work well and was respected by those who worked alongside him. Whether at work, in the garden, or around the home, his hands were always busy.  He was widely admired for being handy and resourceful in all that he did.

Mikolaj was a faithful parishioner of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Passaic, where he gave generously of his time and talents as an active volunteer in many aspects of church life. His faith was an important part of who he was, and he lived it consistently through his actions, his kindness, and his devotion to others. He was also a member of the St. Nicholas Seniors and the Clifton Seniors, where he enjoyed the fellowship of friends and neighbors.

Those who knew Mikolaj will remember his outgoing personality and the ease with which he could speak with anyone. He was friendly, warm, and faith-filled, and he had a gift for making others feel welcome. He enjoyed gardening, saltwater fishing, and woodworking, and he found satisfaction in simple, honest work and in the beauty of creating something with his own hands. His family and friends will remember him as a man of integrity, strength and exuberance, whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around him. He was truly one of a kind.

Mikolaj’s life was one of perseverance, devotion, and love. He leaves behind a lasting legacy through his family, his faith, and the many lives he touched over the years. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will remain a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Parastas Sunday 4:30 pm.  Funeral services will be held Monday, March 30, 2026 at 9:00 am from the funeral home followed by a 10:00 Mass at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 217 President Street, Passaic. Interment to follow at Holy Spirit Cemetery, Hamptonburgh, NY.  Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary.