Oleh Mitringa
Obituary
Oleh Lew Mitringa was born on September 20, 1943, in Ternopil, Ukraine, to Michael and Natalia Mitringa. During the war, his three-year-old sister tragically passed away before she was able to receive needed medicine, a loss that forever shaped his family’s story.
After spending his early years in the Funkkaserne Displaced Persons Camp in Germany, Oleh immigrated with his family to the United States in 1950. They settled on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where his parents ran a delicatessen and he helped out whenever he could.
From a young age, Oleh was active in the Ukrainian community. He attended the Ukrainian Music Institute, where he played violin, and spent summers at Ukrainian camps in upstate New York. A graduate of the High School of Performing Arts, he went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music and took courses at local colleges.
On September 4, 1965, Oleh married Roxolana, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted until her passing in January 2020. Together they raised their children: Danylo (born January 15, 1966), Slavko (born June 18, 1967), and Motria (born May 2, 1975).
Oleh worked tirelessly throughout his life in many roles—bookkeeper, messenger, taxi driver, and eventually as a bus driver for the MTA. He was admired for his dedication and his work ethic.
Beyond work, Oleh had a wide range of interests. He studied karate, achieving a purple (or brown) belt, and enjoyed weightlifting as a lifelong hobby. Later in life, he explored computers and video games with the same curiosity and determination. He was deeply connected to Ukrainian culture and history, and he shared that pride with his children and community.
Oleh also had a lifelong love of animals. He rescued and cared for many dogs and cats over the years, including his favorite German Shepherds, Twinkie and Rex, as well as Toby, Petunia, Bobo, and others who became part of the family.
He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of Ukrainian traditions, his curiosity, and his generous heart.
Oleh is survived by his children Danylo, Slavko, and Motria; and his cherished grandchildren Rebecca, Rylie, Kaitlyn, Mathew, Lucca, and Nina, along with many extended family and friends.
For his love of history, children and animals, donations may be made to the Ukrainian Museum, Orphan Aid Society or the ASPCA.