David G. Dybala “Double D”, 71, of Victoria, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 24, 2025. He was born December 12, 1953, in El Campo, TX, to Anton Dybala Sr. and Evelyn Schilhab Dybala. To many, he was a father figure, a great friend, and a special uncle. To us, he was Popo, PopPop, Daddy-O, Dad, Papa, Honey, and sometimes David Gene.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Dybala; daughter, Jamie Hrabovsky and husband Brett of Katy; son, Jeff Dybala of Victoria; sister, Shirley Gardner; and 4 grandchildren, Madyson Dybala, Mavrick Dybala, Hutson Hrabovsky, and Hayes Hrabovsky.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Anton Dybala Sr.; sister, Jeanette Newman, and brother, Anton Dybala Jr.
He cherished time at his ranch in Sarco, where he hunted with his kids and grandkids, held Wahoo tournaments, and enjoyed sitting on the back porch with Cathy and his coffee in the mornings. Taking care of the cows, his girls, kept him busy but happy.
One of his proudest times was being able to coach Jeff’s baseball teams, especially Goad Motors. He had fun helping build production sets in Jamie’s Victoriadore days, and his favorite was The Lion King Production. As the years went on, he continued “coaching” his grandsons in baseball and his granddaughter in softball and volleyball. He took great pride in watching and cheering for his grandkids play their sports for many years. Being a Popo and PopPop to his Mady-poo, Mavro, HutHut, and Hayzer was his favorite job of all.
He leaves us with many memories of fun, laughter, and antics. Teaching his kids and grandkids how to hunt and fish brought him much joy. He loved spending time with his friends while playing dominoes, golfing, and just hanging out. He and Cathy took an annual trip to Lake Livingston with some great friends that he looked forward to every year, where he was able to boat ride, play shuffleboard, and listen to the 60’s. You could guarantee that if the Astros, Longhorns, or Texans were playing, he was watching them (never the Sooners or Aggies, though!)
He retired after 47 years in the Oil and Gas industry with Wilson Supply Company. They were the years that gave him some of the best friends and instilled lessons of having a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. He was a proud member of the TPA, API, and Desk & Derrick.
Most of all, he loved his family time, whether that was at the lake camping, grilling, and swimming in their backyard, spending time together, or sharing ice cream with his little buddy, Charlie. He spent 50 years with his bride building a life that made him proud and was full of love. That was his greatest accomplishment of all!
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 28, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, with a Rosary to follow at 5:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held Monday, September 29, at St. Philip Apostle Catholic Church in El Campo with Rev. Dalton Ervin officiating. Burial will follow at Danevang Lutheran Cemetery, and a small meal afterwards will be held there at the Danevang meeting hall.
Pallbearers will be Brian Dybala, Mark Lesak, Kevin Nash, Chad Lesak, Travis Gardner, and Stephen Dybala. Honorary Pallbearers are Bob Herbert, Frank Malina, and Oscar Wolter.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of South Texas, St. Philip Apostle Catholic Church, and Holy Family Catholic Church.
A special thank you to the care team at Hospice of South Texas for such gentle and dignified care of him and the family from the beginning to the very end.
