Obituary of Katherine M. Rybak

Katherine “Day Day” Rybak age 100, formerly a lifelong resident of Port Jervis, NY, passed away peacefully, January 15, 2022 in Downingtown, PA. She was born on January 12, 1922 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of Joseph and Carmella Puccarelli Ricciardi. She was happily married to her husband, Andrew Rybak, for 46 years until his passing in May 1995. She first made her impact in the restaurant business as an exemplary employee for the famous Flo-Jean Restaurant in Port Jervis. Katherine continued her love of service as a banquet manager for Hunt’s Best Western Hotel in Westfall Township, PA. and later for the Erie Hotel in Port Jervis. She meticulously catered to the guests with grace and style at every wedding or occasion. One highlight of her career was receiving the PA State Hospitality of the Year Award. For many years Katherine worked for Rayola McLaughlin at the Town and Country Dress Shop in Port Jervis; managing window design and altering wedding gowns, with her life-long friend, Louise Piccirillo. Katherine was an extremely faithful member of St. Mary’s R.C, Church in Port Jervis and later at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Downingtown, PA. She was a 54 year member of Court Madonna, Council #114, Catholic Daughters, in Port Jervis and an active member and past President of the Tri-State Doll Club. Katherine's kindness and generosity to family and friends was her passion. Katherine is survived by her son, Joseph Rybak and his wife Debra of Myrtle Beach, S.C., her daughter, Carolyn Kelly and her husband Michael of West Chester, PA, her beloved grandchildren; Alyson Jackson and her husband Paul, Megan Casey and her husband Matthew, and Zachary Rybak, her beloved great grandchildren; Layla, Charlotte, Jackson, Brennan and Luke, several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was pre-deceased by her sisters, Philomena Pirotta, Mary Hurl, Josephine Connelly and Rose Marioni, her brothers; Tony and Pasquale Ricciardi. Katherine’s family will receive friends, 10:00-11:00AM, Thursday, January 20, at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 46 Ball St., Port Jervis, NY. A Mass of Resurrection will follow at 11:00AM at St. Mary’s. Rev. Matthew Newcomb will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martha’s Chapel., 470 Manor Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions, or to send condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com. Due to Covid restrictions please wear a mask at the mass.