There are condolences waiting approval on Walter's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Walter Donald Rybak
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Walter.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Walter Donald Rybak
Walter D. Rybak, 57, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022.
Beloved father of Matthew and Sarah, and brother of Howard Michael Rybak, Anne Kathryn Hoban, Elizabeth Margaret Parsons, and Thomas Christopher Rybak. He was preceded to heaven by his parents, Walter M. and Margaret Rybak.
Born and raised on the east side of Detroit, Walter attended St. Jude Grade School where he began singing in the church’s choir of men and boys in 1973. He was still singing with the same group of men at the time of his passing 49 years later. He attended Notre Dame High School in Harper Woods and was captain of the swim team, a member of the National Honor Society, and class valedictorian.
He went on to the University of Detroit where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. At U-D, he received three Engineering and Science Key Awards and was president of the Engineering Student Council. He earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering systems from the University of Michigan in 1988.
Upon graduation, Walt became a valued member of the General Motors’ Advanced Engineering Staff Artificial Intelligence Robotics Department. In his almost 40 years at General Motors, Walt was sought out for his professionalism and expert knowledge of automotive manufacturing. His mentorship to many team members will continue to positively impact GM IT for years to come.
Walter’s dedication and passion to the things he loved, and his care of others permeated every aspect of his life. As early as sophomore year of high school, he became very active in the Muscular Dystrophy Association, counseling at camps for children with MD and working the phones during the Jerry Lewis Telethons. Later in life he could be found volunteering for numerous charities including Gleaners, Forgotten Harvest, and the Rainbow Connection among others.
As a dedicated husband and father Walt was passionate about sharing his love of nature with his family. He was the family tour guide on extended trips to multiple national parks, Canada, Mexico, and South America, among other destinations. When traveling alone for work, Walt always managed to bring home to his children a present that told a small story of the corner of the world he had visited. As a caregiver for his mother, Walt took her both to Denali National Park in Alaska, and Key West, Florida so she could experience the furthest points north and south in the United States.
An accomplished chef, Walt loved sharing a table with the people he loved and expressed that with every meal he created.
Matthew recalled fondly the many meals his father prepared through the years saying, “We grew up with the best cook you could ask for.”
His love of cooking came together with his love of golf when he helped prepare the food for his close friends on annual summer golf trips that have brought them together for 36 years.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home 404 E. Liberty St. Milford, MI 48381. A Rosary will be held at 6:30pm. Out of kindness, the family asks that all visitors please wear a mask.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 12:00noon at Assumption Grotto Catholic Church 13770 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48205. Visitation begins at the church at 11:30am.
Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery in Highland, Michigan following the Funeral Mass.
