Yakim Bokhenik, 92, of Braintree, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Ukraine, Yakim lived a life defined by resilience, devotion to family, and an unwavering love for his homeland. From a young age, he was a steadfast advocate for an independent Ukraine, supporting the nation's struggle for freedom during the hardships of World War II and enduring the oppression brought by both the Nazi and Soviet occupations.
Yakim was married to the love of his life, the late Lyubov Bokhenik, with whom he shared a lifelong partnership built on love, Catholic faith, and dedication. Together they raised their family in the village of Syn'kiv, Radekhiv Oblast, Ukraine, before later making their home in Lviv. In 1996, Yakim and Lyubov immigrated to the United States to reunite with their sons, Peter and Viktor, beginning a new chapter while remaining deeply connected to their Ukrainian heritage and traditions.
Yakim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lyubov, and his eldest son, Bohdan Bokhenik of Lviv, Ukraine.
He is lovingly remembered by his son Peter Bukhenik and his wife, Oksana, of Easton, Massachusetts, and by his son Viktor Bokhenik and his wife, Vira, of Dedham, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Halyna Bokhenik, widow of his late eldest son Bohdan, of Lviv, Ukraine.
Yakim was a proud and devoted grandfather to Ivan Bokhenik and his wife, Oksana, and Mary Bokhenik and her husband, Andriy, all of Lviv, Ukraine; Yuriy Bukhenik and his wife, Shelby; Bohdan Bukhenik; and Roman Bokhenik and his wife, Olena, all of the Boston area.
He was further blessed with four cherished great-granddaughters—Emma, Isabelle, Eva, and Sophia—who brought him immeasurable joy in his later years. Yakim was also blessed with a beloved great-grandson, Taday, whose life was tragically cut short in infancy. Though their time together was brief, Taday held a special place in Yakim's heart and remained lovingly remembered by the entire family. They find comfort in knowing they are reunited in eternal peace.
Yakim will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, unwavering conviction, deep faith, and boundless love for his family. He witnessed extraordinary changes throughout his lifetime, yet remained steadfast in his values, his pride in his Ukrainian heritage, and his hope for a free and prosperous Ukraine. His courage, wisdom, and enduring example will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.
His legacy lives on through the generations of his family, whose lives were enriched by his guidance, sacrifice, and unconditional love. although he was a quiet man of few words, his character spoke booming volume on his behalf. May his memory be eternal.
Funeral services at Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church 146 Forest Hills St. Jamaica Plain on Monday August 3, 2026. Visiting with his family at 11 am. Funeral Liturgy at 11:30 am. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury following Catholic Service.