Funeral of Ukrainian man slain in Cork hears 'his greatest love in life was his family'

Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi's wife told mourners: 'He was my strength, my support, and my safe place in life.'

The funeral of Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi at the Cathedral of St. Mary & St. Anne, North Cathedral, Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan

A Ukrainian man who died last week following a stabbing incident in Cork city centre was a devoted husband whose baby daughter meant the whole world to him, his funeral mass has heard.

In a moving tribute, Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi's wife wrote that her late husband and father to a little girl was 'my everything, my soulmate, my strength, my safe place'.

Oleksandr Saranchuk Zhyvytskyi, aged 31, died after being assaulted near his home in Camden Court, Carroll’s Quay, on Monday evening, March 16.

In a eulogy in Cork’s Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne on Tuesday, Mr Zhyvytskyi’s wife Viktoriya said their daughter Yeva had meant everything to him.

“His greatest love in life was his family,” she said. “For his loved ones he was someone who would do anything, without hesitation and until the very end.

“He loved his little daughter dearly. She was his whole world, his greatest joy, and the meaning of his life.” 

Members of Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi's family at his funeral today. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Oleksandr was a bright, kind, and sincere person, with an open heart and a warm nature, Viktoriya told the congregation, adding that his smile could lift the hearts of all of those who knew him.

“For me he wasn’t just a husband,” she said. “He was my strength, my support, and my safe place in life.” 

Mourners gathered at the funeral of Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Hard-working and responsible, he held various jobs over the years, she said, most recently with BCL Metal and Ventilation.

“Everywhere he worked, he was valued as a valuable and dedicated colleague, but what truly defined him was not what he did, but who he was: Genuine, cheerful, and sincere with people, he was an example to others through his humanity, kindness, and modesty,” she said.

“Always ready to help, he would give his last without hesitation, if someone needed more, he had a special gift for bringing joy, support and warmth to everyone around him.” 

The world will deeply miss such a talented, creative, and hard-working person, said Viktoriya. “He will forever remain in the hearts of his family and loved as a bright and kind person who brought so much love into this world. 

The funeral procession of Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi at the top of Shandon Street. Picture: Jim Coughlan

"His life was short but filled with meaning, warmth, and authenticity. You were my home, my strength, and my heart. Our daughter and I will always and forever love you.” 

A congregation of about 100 people gathered in the North Cathedral for Mr Zhyvytskyi’s funeral mass, which was concelebrated by Fr Roman Biletskyy, Fr Sean Crowley, and Bishop Emeritus John Buckley.

The mass was said almost entirely in Mr Zhyvytskyi’s native Ukrainian, with traditional hymns delivered by Fr Biletskyy and cantor Taras Dolynskyi.

The funeral procession of Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi, at the junction of Shandon Street, Cathedral Street, and Cathedral Road. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Mr Zhyvytskyi was laid to rest at St Catherine’s Cemetery, Kilcully.

Last Thursday, a 42-year-old man accused of murdering Mr Zhyvytskyi by allegedly stabbing him in the chest was brought before Cork District Court.

Jonathan Hennessy, of 15 Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, Co Cork, was charged with murder and remanded in custody to appear again by video link before Cork District Court on Wednesday.