On August 29, 2023, Roman Stanislaw Ryba Sr, of Fredon, NJ peacefully passed away. Roman is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Judith ‘Judi’ (Balun) Ryba, daughter Nicole Ryba-Brown (Warren) of Fredon, daughter Kimberly Panaite (Aurel) of Sparta, son Roman Ryba Jr. (Lynn) of Sparta, and son Jonathan Ryba (fiancée Lauryn) of Fredon. Roman had two well-loved grandsons- Nicholas and Luca Panaite. Roman will also be missed by his sisters, Lucyna Dzieduszko of Cary, NC and Stasia Tukiendorf (Victor) of Toms River, NJ along with his nieces, nephews and cousins.
Roman was born on April 1, 1947, in Jaslo, Poland to the late Stefania (Majka) and Julian Ryba. He was the youngest of four children and only son. At the age of 14, Roman and his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Newark, NJ where he attended Irvington Technical School and completed training as an Architectural Draftsman. Roman was very proud of his Polish American heritage and had served as the President of the Polish Home in Irvington, NJ and actively had participated in the annual Pulaski Day Parade down 5th Avenue in NYC.
Work was his passion, and over his 40+ year career in the construction industry—he felt a powerful sense of accomplishment knowing that his companies contributed to thousands of homes in New Jersey. His favorite project was Waterfall Ridge of Fredon and unofficially was the ‘mayor’ knowing all of the families and watching them enjoy what he had built. Retirement was not in his vocabulary, and he had a dream come true when he later got to work for his son as chief operator—enjoying both the digging and mentoring aspects.
Faith and family were of utmost importance to Roman and he regularly looked to give back to his church and community by participating as a chaperone to the Youth Ministry to see Pope John Paul in Rome, Paris and Montreal. Additionally, he donated his time and equipment to several community beautification projects – adding trees and playgrounds.
Roman loved to try new restaurants, travel, polka music and dancing, chess, lively discussions on politics and religion, watching soccer (both European and his grandsons locally) but most of all, he loved his time with his family and friends. He loved to lead a good belting of the Polish traditional song of ‘Sto Lot’ as it meant all were together and celebrating a life and love.
Roman and his family have a strong appreciation for the medical teams at Atlantic Health in Newton and Morristown who initially saved him in 2007 from heart failure and gave him 16+ years of life. To the many nurses, doctors, support teams and all those who treated Roman throughout the years—Thank you. Additionally, he is forever grateful for the first responder volunteers of the Fredon EMS – especially Carl Lazzaro.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 11th, 2023 at Our Lady of the Lake in Sparta, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Fredon EMS – 443 Route 94, Fredon, NJ 07860.
