Vasil "Bill" Tashkovski's Obituary
Vasil “Bill” Tashkovski, 79, of DeWitt, NY, passed away on January 29, 2019.
Vasil "Bill" Tashkovski was born in Velushina, Macedonia. When he was a child, his grandfather told him stories about America, and he knew he wanted to live there. At the age of sixteen he gathered a few belongings and crossed the border to Greece, stayed in a refugee camp in Lavrion, and subsequently received sponsorship to come to Syracuse. Here he quickly learned the English language and secured employment as a baker and later, a chef at the Hotel Syracuse.
He met the love of his life, Irene, shortly after arriving. The teenagers married in 1961 and started their family. In 1967, they moved to DeWitt. Vasil cultivated an incredible vegetable garden on the property, which became his pride and joy, getting better every year.
Vasil was a founding member of St. George Macedonian Eastern Orthodox Church, where he served as both a deacon and a trustee. He happily volunteered many hours of service to the church, cooking for many parties and festivals. He enjoyed all aspects of his heritage and culture including folk dancing in traditional Macedonian costume for events including the Festival of Nations.
Vasil worked in the food service industry throughout his life. He held head chef positions at both Bonanza Restaurant and Drumlins Country Club. Prior to retirement, he worked at Ruston’s Diner. He made the best eggs in town!
Vasil was an extraordinary athlete. He enjoyed playing competitive soccer well into his 60s. He was very fast and could easily beat people half his age in a 50-yard dash. He loved to go cross country skiing and enjoyed swimming, fishing and hunting. He loved the outdoors. He was a huge fan of Syracuse University sports.
Vasil was an outstanding husband and father who truly loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Irene (Yovanovich) Tashkovski; his daughters, Katherine (Peter) Hayes, Karen Tashkovski and Sophia Tashkovski; his grandson, Alexander Mazevski; his siblings, Rada Pavlovski, Cvetko Taskovski, and Bozna Dimitrievski, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a celebration of Vasil’s life at 10:00 am in St. George Macedonian Eastern Orthodox Church. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 PM at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
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