Bohdan "Bo" Fediuk

Bohdan “Bo” Fediuk, a man of profound knowledge, unwavering punctuality, and a legendary ability to move mountains (provided he had a rope and a hoist) passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at the age of 78. Bo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose life was marked by hard work, generosity, and an indomitable spirit.

Born to Ukrainian parents on March 11, 1947, in a post-WWII refugee camp in Villach, Austria, Bo carried his heritage with lifelong dignity. His journey to the U.S. began in 1950, when he arrived at Ellis Island by boat as a young boy and eventually settled on a farm in Middletown, NY. It was here that Bo’s lifelong work ethic and his "do-it-yourself" spirit were forged.

Bo’s patriotism was a choice made with conviction. Drafted in 1966, he fast-tracked his citizenship so he could serve on the front lines. True to his lifelong dislike of being late, Bo arrived in Vietnam on November 7, 1967, one day earlier than scheduled. Bo famously waited for no one; if he told you a time to be ready, he was in the car with the engine running 15 minutes early. If you weren’t there by the designated minute, he would simply leave. To Bo, time was the one thing you didn't waste.

Serving as a Specialist 4 with the 9th Infantry Division “Old Reliables” in the Mekong Delta, Bo’s bravery was cemented during the Tet Offensive on January 7, 1968. After his radio rig was destroyed and he narrowly escaped gunfire, Bo dodged tracer rounds and mortars across open ground to deliver vital ammunition to guards on the perimeter. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor.

His desire to serve continued years later in the Navy Reserves (Seabees) from 1990 to 2004. His service took him from Italy to Guantanamo Bay, and notably, he served at Ground Zero during the recovery efforts following the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Bo was a master of his craft and took great pride in his work. He spent the 1970s as a lineman with the IBEW Local 1249, a dangerous profession he truly loved. He later dedicated 20 years to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) at the Gilboa Central Office, serving a decade as a lineman and a decade as a Foreman. Moving through the ranks from apprentice to leadership, he earned the respect of everyone around him.

Bo believed there was no better investment than a tool. Though he grew up with few, he spent a lifetime collecting them from yard sales, flea markets, and the side of the road. He was a master of his trade and could often be heard explaining that any tree could be felled or any stump pulled because “it’s all about the rigging!” His frugality was equally legendary. Why buy something when you could build it? This philosophy most recently resulted in the homemade hot tub crafted from a Tractor Supply cattle trough.

This practical wisdom was passed down to the next generations in unconventional ways. His basement was a classroom of "hands-on" learning, involving everything from lead solder to the mesmerizing (if questionable) properties of liquid mercury. Other unconventional teaching methods included using his defensive driving instructor skills to help the next generation perfect driving backwards before going forward, and learning the basics of driving a tractor before a vehicle.

When he wasn't building or rigging, Bo was in nature. He loved fishing at Wolf Lake and the Bashakill marsh, often in the middle of the night, and spent many weeks enjoying the salt air of the Carolina coast. He had a supernatural ability to catch the impossible—including snapping turtles and catfish in man-made ponds where no catfish had ever been stocked or seen for over 20 years.

Beyond his service and career, Bo simply enjoyed a good time. He cherished his Saturday morning meet-ups with lifelong friends, where they would gather over breakfast to discuss the intricacies of life. A pillar of his community, Bo was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Knights Templar, Shriners, Moose Lodge, and the Shag Club. He looked forward to the yearly IBEW clambakes and enjoyed events at the VFW and the Red Fez. Whether he was taking trips to the beach or traveling to visit family and friends, Bo always found his greatest joy in the company of those he loved.

Bo’s life was anchored by a legendary love story. He met Kathleen Bennett at Middletown High School and asked her to write to him while he was stationed in Vietnam. She was the love of his life, and for decades, “This Magic Moment” remained their song. Bo is now reunited with his beloved Kathy, who predeceased him in 2015.

His legacy lives on through his children, in whom he and Kathy took immense pride: Kristin Fediuk Ochsner and her husband Dean, and Michael Fediuk and his wife Brenda. He was the proud grandfather of Isabella, Nikolas, Sophia Ochsner, and Ian Fediuk.

In addition to his wife, Bohdan was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anastasia Fediuk, and his brother, Roman. He is survived by his siblings: Russell (Diane) Fediuk, Walter (Vera) Fediuk, Stephen (Michelle) Fediuk, and Mary (Paul) Norton. He also leaves behind a large family of nieces, nephews, and friends who will deeply miss his wisdom, his humor, his heart, and the fact that he was likely already 15 minutes early to the gates of Heaven, engine running, waiting for the rest of us to catch up.

A Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, 2025, at noon at Palmetto Funeral Home, 2049 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29708. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a Repast at the VFW ( Post 9138) in Fort Mill at 2:30 PM to share a meal and stories in remembrance of Bo.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to VFW Post 9138 1442 Harris Road Fort Mill, SC 29715