On Sunday, Dec. 4, Michael G. Ryba passed from this earth to his final happy hunting grounds while holding the hand of Joyce, his devoted wife of 67 years.
Michael Ryba, who passed away Sunday, will have a funeral on Friday, Dec. 9.
A loving husband and father, Michael was born May 22, 1927 at home in Darien, to Helen (Wissman) Ryba and Michael Ryba.
After graduating from Darien High School in 1945 he immediately joined the U.S. Army, where he served as a training sergeant in Ft. Bliss, Texas. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of platoon sergeant.
He was pre-deceased by both parents and his only sibling, Helen Ryba Baum.
On Sept. 3, 1949, he married Joyce E. Weston, who survives.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Mike was a leader of Brookfield Boy Scout Troop 8. He was a friend and mentor to these young men and several continued to be in contact with him through the years.
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— an obituary from Brookfield Funeral Home
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Michael worked for SNET for 33 years from cable splicer up to construction supervisor, retiring in 1983.
Upon retirement Michael and Joyce spent many extended summers in Rhode Island, where camping, fishing, and the beach were favorite pastimes. Mike was a lifelong avid bird and deer hunter, and outdoorsman. He was a founding member of the Brookfield Sportsman’s Club and was also a member of the New Milford, Ousatonic, and Timberdoodle sportsmen clubs.
Mike had a lifelong passion for breeding English setters. He spent a lifetime perfecting three important breeding traits; holding a point, retrieving, and a gentle mouth on the game. He achieved this goal on many occasions, and with Trooper, his final best friend.
Mike was noted for his help and knowledge on English Setter bloodlines by journalist Joseph A. Reppucci, in the book, The Hunt of Her Life.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Michael’s friends, neighbors, and caregivers who continued to assist and befriend him until the very end. Their kindnesses are deeply appreciated.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by Elayne Ryba and her long-time friend Rick Nadeau, Nancy Ryba and her husband Donald Groeschner, and Kenneth and his wife Marilyn. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kevin Marine, Rebecca Philion (Ryba) and her husband Jacob Philion, and Michael R. Ryba and his partner G. Scott Hardwig.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, Brookfield, with Father Shawn W. Cutler officiating. Burial will follow in Central Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. that day.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company, 92 Pocono Road, Brookfield, CT06804. To light a candle of hope and remembrance please visit the Brookfield Funeral Home website.