Obituary of Victor Joseph Schymeinsky

Vic celebrated his 89th birthday in November before he experienced a rapid decline. After a brief hospitalization he died of natural causes at home surrounded by family and friends. Vic was preceded in death by Jane, his soul mate and beloved wife of 30 years. Theirs was a love for the ages. Though they had long standing family acquaintance from much earlier in life, it was in the 1980’s that they found fast friendship while both were residing in New York. Vic and Jane married December 12th, 1988, and relocated to Vic’s hometown of San Francisco, and later to Santa Cruz, where most of Jane’s 5 adult children and their families were living. Just as two brilliant stars form a bright line in the night sky between them, Vic and Jane became the connecting piece, and the beating heart of a constellation in an amorphous universe of loving family and friends. Known as grandpa and grandma to many and all, and filling those roles in extraordinary ways. Vic was a meticulously kind and giving person. He was immediately likable, gentle and without guile. Selfless in his efforts for others, it was obvious in his deeds and demeanor that he followed the teachings of Christ. Vic and Jane loved going to beaches. Vic was an avid gardener. A frequent volunteer with hospice and AIDS organizations. As a certified massage therapist, he mostly donated his services to the many people he cared for. Vic always had a special relationship with his cars as well, often repainting them himself by brush, with surprising success. He was an avid reader of history and theology. How about an ice cream? Mostly he was fun to be with, and interested in others. Before joining Jane in shared family life, Vic had a colorful career as an ordained Catholic priest. He entered seminary school at the age of 15 And was ordained with Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers of New York in 1962. As a Maryknoller he was known as Father Vic. Much of his work was as an organizer, gathering support for Maryknoll missions abroad. Vic had a byline in the Maryknoll magazine for many years, and he also spent six years at the Maryknoll mission in Brazil during the late 70’s and early 80’s. Vic traveled the world and corresponded copiously by mail and telephone with people throughout his life. A clear reflection of his care about others. Victor Joseph Schymeinsky Was born in San Francisco. A devoted brother, Vic mourned the loss of his sisters Mary and Louise. Vic was the elder son of Anthony Joseph Schymeinsky and Irene Frances (Bailey) Schymeinsky. Vic is survived by children Michael (Prema), Chrissy, Coco (Tom), Cathy (Victor), and Paul (Stephanie). Grandchildren Saroj, David, Daniel, Josephine, Serena, Valerie, and Pavlo. Great grandchildren Adrian, Ella, and Victor. Brother Michael (Mary Jo) Schymeinsky. His loving nieces and nephews Tom, Dave, and Joan, and the grand nieces and nephews Mark, Alex, Katia, Joseph, Sophia, Fiona and Conor. That’s it for family acquired in the usual way. The fact is Vic (and Jane) espoused such an expansive view of the concept of family, and with willful abandon, that it would be reckless to attempt to name everyone who came within a very wide circle. But to be sure, “Grandpa Vic" will be deeply missed by all, including the many dear friends that he considered his extended family. In particular those honorary grandchildren, Nico, Jaiden, Rio, An Mei, Kaneah, Ari, Zev, Bibi, and Juju. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make donations to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers or Hospice of Santa Cruz County.