Robert Ryko

Robert grew up in Irwin, Pennsylvania, and graduated from North Huntington High School in 1954. He proudly served in the Air Force from 1954 to 1958, where he worked on the autopilot and compass system on B52s. After his military service, he worked as a machinist at Elliott Co. in Jeannette, PA, and later at Health Techna in Kent, WA, from 1988 to 1989.

On June 15, 1957, Robert married Helena Kellerberg. Together, they raised four children: daughters Kathryn A., Diane M., and Patrice, and son Robert. He was a proud grandfather to four, a great-grandfather to twelve, and a great-great-grandfather to two.

Robert had a passion for playing the accordion, building model planes, flying remote control planes, solving puzzles, woodworking, and watching classic movies. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

His community involvement included serving as a volunteer fireman for the Fairmont-Hahntown Fire Department from 1959 to 1985, being a member of St. Columbkille, and fostering many teenage youth. Robert's honesty and willingness to help others were hallmarks of his character. He enjoyed grocery shopping and often helped others load their groceries into their cars.

His family expresses deep gratitude to their friends from St. Columbkille, Dave and Lane Patterson, Dana Phillips, Carol Solnosky, Scott, and all members of the Papillion Ambulance Team, as well as the staff and volunteers at the Omaha VA Medical Center, for their kindness and support.

Bob will be dearly missed. He brought joy to Halloween by treating children and to Christmas by dressing up as Santa and an elf, passing out treats to the neighborhood. He loved to share the story of when a police car stopped him, saying, "I don't want to run over an elf."

A visitation with a Vigil Service will be held at Kahler Dolce Mortuary, 441 North Washington Street, Papillion, Nebraska, on January 18, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with the Vigil Service beginning at 6:00 pm. The Funeral Service will take place at St. Columbkille Church, 200 East Sixth Street, Papillion, Nebraska, on January 19, 2026, at 10:30 am. The Committal Service will follow at Papillion Cemetery, 84th & Giles Rd, Papillion, Nebraska, at 12:00 pm.