BORIS A. "BORYA" BRIN, 73, of Buffalo Grove, IL, passed away early Saturday morning, May 16, 2020, in the Northwest Community Hospital after finally succumbing to health issues that he has fought for several years.
Borya was born November 29, 1946, in Teofipol, Ukraine, the eldest of two kids to Abram Zakharovitch Brin and Mariya Borisovna Kharnam. On April 24, 1975, in Kishinev, Moldova, he married Sofiya “Sonya” Brin. On May 15, 1978, they had a son Ilya. Borya had a bachelor degree in metallurgical engineering and worked in that field. He was known for creativity and a "golden hands" ability to repair things.
On March 4, 1993, the Brin family immigrated to Cleveland, OH. Despite not knowing the language, Boris was able to support the family by working at a bakery, and later at the Precision Castparts Corporation where he was able to utilize his engineering background. In 2008, Sonya and Borya moved to suburbs of Chicago, IL to help raise their grandchildren.
Throughout his life Borya was deeply moved by the events of the Holocaust. He witnessed mass grave pits in the Ukraine, and was determined to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims. Borya visited the sites of Babi Yar and Buchenwald, did extensive research, and published a series of books and poems on the subject. His articles were regularly published in Jewish newspapers, both in print and online.
Borya's favorite hobby was fishing. The village of Teofipol had a beautiful lake where Borya spent much of his free time during childhood. He continued fishing after moving to Kishinev, and even during family vacations. Fishing gave Borya a piece of mind from the challenges of life. It also provided the family with free high quality food, which was important in the Soviet Union. Borya's fishing adventures are fondly remembered by his son, niece, nephews, and grandchildren. He also wrote a series of fun stories on the subject.
Most of all, Borya loved to spend time with the grandchildren. He was always interested in anything and everything about them, no matter how big or small, and they loved his storytelling.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years Sofiya Brin; son, Ilya (Luba) Brin, of Buffalo Grove, IL; brother Moisey (Tatyana) Brin of Cleveland, OH; 3 grandchildren: Daniel, Avraam, and Josephine; niece, nephews, and cousins.
Sunset Memorial Lawns Cemetery. Mitzvah Memorial Funerals.
Private graveside services are necessary, however family and friends who cannot attend the funeral can watch on Boris’s webpage beginning at 1 pm Tuesday, webpage at www.mitzvahfunerals.com.