John Joseph "Big John" Rycz, 92, of Beaver Falls died peacefully at his home on Friday, August 1, 2008.
He was born June 20, 1916 in Seminole, PA, was the son of the late Joseph & Aniela "Nellie" ( Jaglarz) Rycz He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps at age 16 and enlisted in the Army for World War II at age 24. Over the years he belonged to a variety of baseball organizations and played games across Pennsylvania and New York. In the early 1950's, he moved to Beaver County to work for and retire from Armstrong World Industries. In Beaver County, he coached and managed baseball for Local 256 and the Elks from 1960-2001. He was a member of St. Philomena’s Roman Catholic Church and the Beaver Falls Sons of Italy. He will be remembered for his great love of children and baseball...and for his "Number Nine Shoe".In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Lottie Joan (Scotch) Rycz; brothers Stanley and Frank Rycz, and a sister, Josephine Rycz Termine.He is survived by his sisters: Cecelia and Helen Rycz, Seminole, PA; Bertha Rycz Copus, New Kensington; and Vickie Rycz Ligda, Alabama.
His eight children: Maryann Rycz, Beaver Falls; Thomas Rycz, New York;
John S. Rycz, Beaver Falls; Beverly Rycz Miller, Emlenton;
E.Elizabeth Rycz, California; Mark Rycz, California; Kathleen Rycz, Georgia; Jacqueline Rycz-Chandler, Georgia; four grandchildren, Trevor and Jordan Miller; Christina Rycz, and Lynn Chandler and his best friend and baseball buddy Bill Borghi.
Special thanks to all the health care providers for John’s kind and compassionated care. .
No viewing is planned. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com , 3801-4th Avenue, College Hill, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions maybe made if desired to The “Big John” Baseball memorial fund. Please make checks payable to Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, 3801-4th Avenue
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday August 30 at 11:00 Am in St. Philomena’s Roman Catholic Church, 3908-6 Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
