Thomas C. Ryba

Thomas C. Ryba, age 62, of Crown Point, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2017 at Community Hospital with his devoted family. Thomas was born to the late Ted and Helen Ryba. Left to cherish his memory are Tom’s loving wife of 38 years, Kathryn (Hoffman) Ryba, two brothers, Jack (Carla) Ryba and Rich (Leeanna) Ryba, and a sister, Jody (Dave) Meredith, and six nieces and nephews. Tom was a 1978 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.He had a long and successful career in senior engineering management and was involved in many major important projects during that time. Tom held several positions at Inland Steel and at Cargill.　 In addition to his BSME, he obtained a professional Certificate in Advanced Project Management from Stanford University Center for Professional Development. Tom was an avid sports car racing fan, and took every opportunity to go to races at many venues. He was particularly interested in and enjoyed endurance racing, attending the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona and IMSA Petit Le Mans at Road America. He also went to Formula One races in Detroit, Montreal, Italy, Germany and Belgium. Besides being a fan, Tom obtained his license to race small formula cars and participated in numerous race events.He and his wife enjoyed traveling, especially to Salzburg, Vienna, Munich, Venice and the Caribbean, and to many auto races around the country. Tom loved the outdoor environment, skiing, and golfing. He was an animal lover for all animals, and a supporter of the local squirrel and chipmunk populations contributing many peanuts for their care and welfare. Although he took fashion clues from no one, he often could be seen wearing one of his vast collection of racing and sports attire supporting his favorite race teams, the Buckeyes, and the championship teams from his original hometown, Pittsburgh, and from Chicago. One of Tom’s greater enjoyments was reading. He had an extensive library of Racing and History books which include many topics about World War Two. He had a variety of reading interests and embraced anything that attracted his interest. His book collection educated him, transported him to different countries and places, introduced him to world figures and new people and allowed him to experience world-changing events. Francis Bacon said, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested." Tom certainly did all of those, and treated each book as his friend. Tom loved helping others and supported and participated in many charities, including United Way, Habitat for Humanity, The Humane Society, Meals-On-Wheels, Purdue University Animal Hospital and several charity walks.

Visitation will be Monday, October 9, 2017 from 4-8 pm at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home (8178 Cline Ave, Schererville, Indiana). Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 10:30 am with Fr. Steve Kosinski officiating.　 Burial will be in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be given to the above-mentioned charities. To leave online condolences, please visit www.chapellawnfunerals.com.