Joseph L. Rybka age 76 of Whitman died unexpectedly February 25, 2015 at the Signature Healthcare/Brockton Hospital after being stricken ill at his home. He was the devoted husband of Lorraine T. (Swier) Rybka. Joe was born in New York City and raised in New York Mills, NY with fond memories of many brothers and sisters. Joe had been a resident of Whitman for the past 45 years.
Joe received an associate’s degree in Turf Management from the University of Illinois and had been the golf course superintendent of Thorny Lea Golf Course for 40 years. He retired in 2005. Joe was an avid golfer and member of Thorny Lea Golf Course. He was also a member of the golf course superintendents associations of New England and Rhode Island.
A hard working man, Joe will be remembered as a proud and loving husband, father and grandfather who especially enjoyed family get togethers.
Joe was the loving father of Christine Cameron and her husband Kevin of Hanson, Terry Reilly and her husband Allen of Plymouth, Robert Rybka and his partner Peter Iacovo of Brockton and his beloved son the late Mark Rybka. He was the cherished grandfather of Katie Dugas, Paige Cameron, Mitchell Cameron, Matthew Reilly and Dylan Reilly.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton on Saturday 2-6 pm and Monday 9:30 to 10:30 am followed by a funeral Mass in Christ the King Parish at 11 am. Burial will be held at a later date in St. James Cemetery, Whitman. Please consider donations in Joe’s name to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry c/o Holy Ghost Church, 518 Washington St, Whitman, MA 02382.