Edward S. Rydzak
Edward S. “Herk” Rydzak, 87, of Eighty Four, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2020, in Washington Hospital.
He was born August 14, 1932, in Washington, a son of Peter and Apolonia “Pauline” Krajanowska Rydzak.
Mr. Rydzak was a member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Meadow Lands.
He was a member of the Holy Name Society, belonged to the Knights of Columbus and the former St. Hilary Travel Club. Herk volunteered for the Immaculate Conception Church fish fries, the summer festival and at the Washington Senior Center.
A veteran of the Korean era, Mr. Rydzak served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956 and participated in three series of atomic tests that were conducted by the Atomic Energy Commission, while serving at Eniwetok Proving Grounds, and Indian Springs AFB outside of Las Vegas. He was awarded the National Defense and Good Conduct Medals.
Brockway Glass Company employed him at its No. 7 Plant as a packing inspector in Washington for 34 years, until it closed in 1984.
Mr. Rydzak was a member of the American Legion Post 175, the Fraternal Order of the Bears, and the Pulaski, Slovak and Polish clubs in Washington. He enjoyed sports, gardening, music, traveling, reading and had a love of people.
On October 7, 1972, in Immaculate Conception Church, he married Virginia Ricottilli, who preceded him in death.
Surviving is a son, Jeffrey Rydzak of Eighty Four.
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Tarsia, Jessie Meyers and Stella McAllister; and two brothers, Paul and Joseph Rydzak.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 6, in Dale D. DeAngelo Funeral Home, 1290 Jefferson Avenue, Washington. The Holy Name Society will pray the rosary in the funeral home at 7 p.m. Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 7, in St. Hilary Roman Catholic Church, Washington. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Air Force and the American Legion Post 175 Honor Guard immediately following Mass. Burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery in Kingsville, W.Va.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Church or to John F. Kennedy School.