Obituary of Basil Skorochod

Basil Skorochod, 75, of Howell, NJ passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Born on July 27, 1950 in France and moved to NJ at the young age of 4, Basil was the son of the late Viera and Alexander Skorochod. Basil was a proud Ukrainian, loving husband, father, Grandpa/Dida, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his sisters, Linda Skorochod and Helen Bowser. In addition to his sisters, Basil leaves behind his wife, Iryna Skorochod; daughter, Leandra McMenemy and her husband, Brian of Howell; son, Justin Skorochod of Howell; daughter, Christina Skorochod of Brick; Goddaughter, Larisa Gavrushenko and her husband, Dan; and his loyal dog, Sammy.  Basil wore his title of Grandpa/Dida loud and proud. His biggest joys in life were his three grandchildren, Millar John, Hudson Basil, and Aubrey Viera, who are left broken hearted but full of memories. He loved spending time with them whenever possible and sharing his knowledge, hobbies, and passions with them.

Basil was a retired refrigeration mechanic after a lifelong career at Freehold’s Nestle Factory.  Over the past couple of years, he enjoyed meeting up for regularly scheduled lunch dates with his old work buddies. Our Mr. Fix-it could fix or Jerry-rig anything and was often assigned projects by his daughters or sisters when he wasn’t working on his own. Basil was always out in his yard tending to his chickens, caring for his garden, or throwing stones into the creek with Aubrey. He was a diehard Yankee and Giants fan, coin collector, and car enthusiast.

For anyone that knew Basil, knew that he would be there for you no matter what you needed. That was the type of man he was. And if you were lucky enough to attend, no one will ever forget the annual Red Neck parties that he proudly hosted for 10 years. Basil brought his humor into every conversation and always lived life lighthearted and to the fullest.

Basil was a simple man, a good man, and a much-loved man who will be sorely missed but never forgotten, may he rest in peace. Be sure to raise a glass of chocolate vodka in his honor.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 12:00 PM Funeral Service on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 280 Main Street, South Bound Brook. Interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Cemetery on the same grounds. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com