David Rybat

After a valiant fight with Alzheimer’s and Polycythemia Vera, David passed away at Cornerstone Hospice The Villages on Tuesday, 18 August. Dave was born in Buffalo, NY to Samuel and Doris Rybat. He attended Hutchinson-Central Technical High School, graduating in June 1958. In July 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany for nearly 2 years, and was honorably discharged as E-5 in July 1961.

From 1961-1963 and again from 1964 through 1967, Dave attended Valparaiso University in Indiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then moved on to Chicago where he excelled in his art with Feldkamp-Malloy Inc., a well-known advertising company. He moved on to Production Group in November 1969 but left in September 1970 to pursue graduate degrees at Indiana University.

Dave earned a Master’s degree in Education, one in Specialist in Education, and completed preliminary work and research for a doctorate degree.

In October 1979, David packed up his old Datsun wagon and moved to Orlando to work as an Education Specialist at Naval Training Equipment Center (NTEC). This is where he met his future bride, Shirley Rubens.

In 1984, Dave transferred to PM TRADE, US Army, as a Program Analyst where he stayed until retiring from PEO STRI in July 2000.

Dave and Shirley were married in August 1990 and resided in Oviedo until three years ago when they downsized and moved to The Villages. They loved to try new recipes together and Dave often cooked a surprise dish for friends. The couple traveled before Dave’s decline: Hawaii; Alaska; Glacier, Teton and Yellowstone National parks; Canadian Rockies; Florence, IT; Danube and Columbia River cruises; Great Britain; as well as other jaunts in the US.

David loved to work on stained glass, gardening, and bowling. He once had a 620 series and a 225 game! He loved the Chicago Cubs and the Bears and was an avid reader of history, especially WWII.

In addition to Shirley, David is survived by his brother Samuel (Cheektowaga, NY); his nephews and niece (Ed, Ken, Linda, Bobby, Billy and James) and their families; and his dog, Lulu.

Alzheimer’s is an insidious disease that robs people of their lives, much too soon. Combined with other maladies, such as polycythemia vera cancer or heart failure, and life becomes a true challenge. David bore up as well as he could until the very end.

Donations can be made to MPN Research Foundation (www.mpnresearchfoundation.org) or Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center (www.ADRCcares.org). Please visit www.baldwinfairchildoviedo.com

May he rest in peace now.