Theodore E. “Ted” Rydzewski, 85, a resident of Swoyersville, passed into eternal life on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Dallas, following a lengthy illness.

Born on January 10, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, Theodore was the son of the late Stanley Rydzewski and Mary V. Butkiewicz Stukoski Rydzewski.

Residing in Swoyersville all his life, Ted was a graduate of the former Swoyerville High School, Class of 1956.

An automobile mechanic by trade, Ted was employed for many years by the former Lester Pontiac, Pierce Street, Kingston. After the closing of Lester Pontiac, he became employed by Tom’s Garage, Swoyersville, working there until his retirement.

A man of great faith, Ted was a lifelong member of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville. Following the closing of his church, he became a member of Holy Family Parish, Luzerne.

For many years, Ted organized and ran dart leagues at the former Shanky’s Café and the former Bayo’s Café, both located in Swoyersville.

A loving and devoted brother, uncle, and cousin, Ted’s family was the center of his life and he cherished every moment he shared with his loved ones. He had a remarkable temperament, and was a role model to his family and friends alike for his embracing of life’s challenges with positivity and humor. Within his family, he was renowned for his love of telling jokes and his perfect voice impression of Donald Duck. Although his presence will be greatly missed, there is much joy in knowing he is now in Heaven, walking without assistance, and basking in the glory of his Lord and Savior alongside all his loved ones who were awaiting his arrival there.

In addition to his parents, Stanley and Mary Rydzewski, Ted was preceded in death by his brothers, Vincent Stukoski and Bernard Rydzewski; his sisters, Mary “Monch” Stukoski and Celia E. Rydzewski; his nephew, Daniel Rydzewski; and his beloved cat, Sweeper.

Left to cherish Ted’s memory are his brother, Robert S. Rydzewski, Wyoming; his niece and Goddaughter, Judy Cudo and her husband, Joseph; his nephews, Vincent Rydzewski and his wife, Suzy; Philip Rydzewski and his wife, Margaret “Meg”; and Leo Rydzewski and his wife, Heather; as well as his great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 9:45 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:15 AM in Holy Family Parish, 574 Bennett Street, Luzerne.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Mount Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery, Carverton section of Kingston Township.

Family and Friends are invited to Ted’s viewing which will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at the funeral home.

Ted’s special request for his viewing and funeral was for the men attending his services not to wear a tie – he despised wearing ties!

To send the Rydzewski Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home’s website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

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