11/16/1957-9/24/2018
Born in Philadelphia to Margareta (nee. Windel) and Wasyl Kostryckyj
Michael was a graduate of Central High School class of ’75 and later, Temple University class of ’79. He graduated Temple with a BS in Dental Technology. His expertise developed in implant dentistry, mastering and teaching the latest technology in creating beautiful smiles. Many colleagues have called him a legend in the dental industry.
A loving, caring father and grandfather, Michael or “Tato” is blessed with three beautiful daughters and three very active grandsons who call him “Deedo”. Though frequent visits from Florida to Philadelphia were difficult because of his illness, he made a point of spending as much time as possible with family in person or by live video technology.
Not only was Michael known for his professional expertise, but also for his elevating demeanor. First introduced to Facebook as a way to communicate with family and friends about his experiences as a lung transplant patient, he later gravitated his posts to comedy, political satire and most recently to faithful, spiritually uplifting inspirations. To quote a dear friend’s tribute: “His faith in God and his belief that God’s will be done carried him through many difficult times and gave him strength to survive and bounce back when others would have given up hope”. One of Michael’s last posts quoted:
“I ask God:
‘Why are you taking me through troubled waters?’
God replied:
‘Because your enemies can’t swim.’”
Michael, always thinking of others, put their needs before his own. He made others feel better about themselves even though he was battling life-threatening illness. Michael would never let his battles become the battles of others. He will be remembered for his humor, his generosity, his finesse for cooking, his love of fishing and the ocean. He was a fighter and would not let his illness interfere with his dedication to family life or work. He will be missed by everyone who knows him.
As Michael often said instead of “good bye”…. “see ya, kiddo”.
Michael is survived by:
Chrystyna Rakoczy-Kostryckyj, wife
Adrianna Kostryckyj-Kropp, daughter with husband Andrew Kropp and son Gavin
Larysa Winkelspecht, daughter with husband Matthew and sons Maximus and Dominic
Anne Gruner, daughter with husband Tony
Andreas Kostryckyj, brother
Jarema Rakoczy, brother-in-law and family
Kropp, Winkelspecht and Gruner families, in-laws
Pennsylvania service:
Ukrainian Catholic Memorial Liturgy
October 13, 2018 at 10:00AM. Visitation at 9:00AM.
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church
1206 Valley Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027
Florida service:
Roman Catholic Memorial Liturgy
Saturday October 20 at 11:00AM
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
9715 North 56th Street, Temple Terrace FL 33617
In lieu of flowers or gift baskets please consider donating in Michael’s memory to:
https://unos-tribute.everydayhero.com/us/in-loving-memory-of-michael-kostryckyj-1
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church
1206 Valley Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
9715 North 56th Street, Temple Terrace FL 33617
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