NORWICH – Alvin B. “Al” Rybarczyk, 84, long-time Norwich resident, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning, Nov. 19, 2007 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in Freeland, Pa., in October of 1923, Al was the son of Anthony and Mary (Nitka) Rybarczyk. Following his graduation from West Hazleton High School at the age of 15, he pursued post graduate studies and had an interest in accounting. However, his career path was set in 1941 when he went to work for Acme Markets in Hazleton and began working his way up in the field of food retailing. He took time out to serve his country during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving from December of 1943 to April of 1946 and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Al returned home with his honorable discharge and took up his career, working for Acme Markets, Genetti’s Super Markets, and Herman Iskin Company until 1950 when he settled on an accounting position with Genetti’s and subsequently upgraded to Head Grocery Buyer. On June 24, 1950, Al married Florence Stefanoski in West Hazleton. In 1969, Genetti’s was acquired by Victory Markets and Al and his family moved to Norwich, with Al working as a grocery buyer through his retirement in 1987.
Al was the last surviving member of the West Hazleton Lions Club. He was also a dedicated and active member of the Knights of Columbus. In 1964, he became a charter member of the West Hazleton Council #5605 and joined the 4th Degree in 1971. Upon his move to Norwich, Al joined the Robert E. McNeil Council #211 and continued his activities in the group. During his long association with the Knights of Columbus, Al held every Council and Chapter office associated with the group, in addition to having received several state appointments. In 1987, he assumed the office of Financial Secretary, continuing to hold the office through the present time.
Al is survived by his wife, Florence Rybarczyk of Norwich; his children: David A. Rybarczyk and wife Pam, of Redding, Conn.; Donald P. Rybarczyk of Richmond, Va.; Mary Ann Rybarczyk of Peachtree City, Ga.; his only granddaughter, Jessica Rybarczyk; and his brothers: Edmund Rybarczyk and wife Jeanne, Richard Rybarczyk and wife Mary, and Daniel Rybarczyk, all of Hazleton, and Anthony Rybarczyk and wife Peggy of Virginia Beach. He was predeceased by his brothers, Robert, Jerome, and Victor Rybarczyk, and his grandson, Brian Rybarczyk.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Al will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday from St. Paul’s Catholic Church. The Rev. Douglas Cunningham, Pastor, will officiate.
Interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a recitation of the rosary at 5:15 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions in Al’s name to the Robert E. McNeil Council of the Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 581 , Norwich, NY 13815; or to the Norwich Emergency Squad, 31 East Main St., Norwich, NY 13815.