Petro Soroka

In Loving Memory of Petro Hnatovych Soroka (1943-2025)

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Petro Hnatovych Soroka, who passed away peacefully in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, at the home of his daughter Mariya, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Born on August 25, 1943, in Zhukiv, Slavuta District, Khmelnytskyi Region, Ukraine, Petro's life began during one of the darkest periods in history. His father, Hnat, served in the Soviet army during World War II and was taken prisoner by the Germans in 1942. Remarkably, he escaped captivity and, on his way back to the front, returned briefly to his native village of Zhukiv. Just nine months later, Petro was born, never having the chance to meet his father, who perished in the liberation battles on Polish soil less than a month before the end of the war. Petro's mother, Anastasia, lovingly raised three sons on her own - the eldest, Volodymyr; the middle, Mykola; and the youngest, Petro - instilling in them resilience, faith, and a love for learning.

As a child, Petro was bright, curious, and full of life. His mother would tell how she placed a small piece of paper and a pen in his tiny hand at birth, saying, "So that you become a scholar." That blessing came true. He grew up loving mathematics and books, even as he worked hard in the fields to help his family.

In his youth, Petro worked as a brigade leader in a student construction team in Tyumen. The team built many homes, some of which still carry plaques reading "Brigadier - P. Soroka." It was during his university years that he met Nina Sokolova, the love of his life. She first noticed him at a student meeting and told her friend, "What a handsome man - if only not for that last name!" (Soroka means "magpie" in Ukrainian - a bright, clever, and talkative bird.) As Nina later joked, it must have been "God's witty joke" that brought them together - because soon after, they fell in love and were married in September 1969, beginning a partnership that lasted 56 years.

After earning his degree from the Ukrainian University of Chemical Technologies in Dnipro, Petro began a long and remarkable academic career there - from assistant to professor, and ultimately Head of the Department of Processes and Apparatuses of Chemical Technology. He became a Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Academician of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences of National Progress, and a Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology (1992).

He authored more than 200 scientific publications, 3 monographs, 47 patents, and mentored seven PhD students. His pioneering work in developing technologies and equipment for producing dispersed materials from mineral and plant raw materials remains influential. He was respected across Ukraine and internationally - known for his brilliance, integrity, and humility.

Petro was a demanding but fair teacher. His students knew that "to pass Soroka's exam, you must truly study." He refused bribes, but if a student worked hard and gave their best, Petro always found room for compassion. Having grown up without a father himself, he was especially kind to orphans and those struggling through hardship.

In the 1990s, he founded and led the scientific-production enterprise TEXMET, which, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Initiative for Proliferation Prevention, turned scientific research into practical technology, including the processing of rice and sunflower husk, rubber, and other materials. His leadership helped many Ukrainian scientists continue their work with dignity during difficult years, while his innovations traveled the world.

In his later years, Petro and Nina split their time between the United States and Ukraine, living between Mariya's family and that of his other daughter, Olga. In January 2022, they returned to

Ukraine, saying they wished to "live out their days" in their homeland. But in February, a large-scale war began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and by March they had found refuge in the United States with Mariya's family.

At home, Petro was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Together with Nina, he built a warm and joyful home filled with books, laughter, and gatherings of friends. Their daughters, Olga and Mariya, were the joy of his life. He loved to joke, to play, and to teach - even when it meant hiding a cup of tea just to make the family laugh. He supported his daughters through every challenge, often saying, "I ask God to help me raise you, educate you, and make you independent - so that you can stand on your own."

Petro loved to do everything with his own hands. He repaired his mother-in-law's house, built his own summer house and garage from the foundation to the roof, and cultivated a beautiful garden. He was an avid gardener, grafting countless apple, pear, apricot, and plum trees. Yet the most beautiful "grafts" of his life were his six grandchildren - Emily Michelle, Anna Viktoriya, Leah Alexandra Korniyasov, and Danylo, Mariia, and Kateryna Panivnyk. He loved them dearly, cared for them, spoiled them, and guided them through life. Through them lives his legacy of love, wisdom, curiosity, and integrity.

Just weeks before his passing, Petro shared: "I have had an active, challenging, interesting, and productive life."

Indeed, he did. His light, his intellect, his humor, and his compassion made this world better - for his family, his students, and everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

We will carry his light within us. Rest in peace, beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather. Your love remains the foundation of our lives.

At the request of the family, services will be held privately. Arrangements entrusted to the Connell Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Hellertown. To leave online condolences, please visit Connellfalk.com