He was born June 19, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA to Frank and Isabel (Sliwak) Rybczyk. He married Elizabeth Niewdach on June 24, 1989 in Peoria, IL. She survives.
Also surviving is his daughter, Colleen (Rick) White of Santa Rosa, FL; step-son, Jason Lovell of Hanna City; grandson, Andrew Lovell of Lincoln; two brothers, Thomas (Sharon) Rybczyk of New Jersey and Joseph(Dolores) Rybczyk of Chalfont, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings, Francis Rybczyk and Helen Becker.
Dan served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and then as a recruiter before he retired. He then worked as a Letter Carrier with U.S. Postal Service for over 30 years until retiring. He then worked as a Groundskeeper with Davison-Fulton Funeral Chapels for 5 years before leaving to care for his grandson.
He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights, VFW Post #2078, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, 173rd Airborne Brigade Association, and the Vietnam Veterans of Illinois. Dan was an advocate for veterans and worked hand in hand with many veteran groups and events, including The Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall and the Veteran's Table Ceremony.
Dan enjoyed going to flea markets, traveling camping, and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandson.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 10, 2023 with visitation one hour prior to the service at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to the Peoria Honor Flight, Military Order of the Purple Heart of Peoria Chapter 175, or to the Children's Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.davison-fulton.com.
