Online Obituaries

Ronald E. Ryczek, 83, of Chicopee, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at his home in Chicopee.  He was born on March 5, 1942 in Springfield and leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Jean M. (Gorski) Ryczek.  Ronald was the eldest son of Stanley and Alice (Maczka) Ryczek.  He is pre-deceased by his brother, Eugene and his daughter, Lynn M. Ryczek, who passed away in February 2025.  Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Tracey C. Ward of Chicopee, Ronald E. Ryczek and his wife, Sharon of Belchertown, Allen J. Ryczek and his wife, Nicole of Chicopee and Michael T. Ryczek and his wife, Rosann of Agawam; his sisters-in-law, Claire Gorski of Chicopee and Mary Ryczek of Longmeadow; 10 grandchildren, Ben Ward and his wife, Mariah, Grace Ward, Melanie Ward, Matthew Ryczek, Maggie Ryczek, Alex Ryczek, Jack Ryczek, Henry Ryczek, Fred Ryczek and Oscar Ryczek; two great grandchildren, Hazel Ward and Izabella Ward and many, many close friends that were with him throughout his life.  Ron worked as a mechanic from a young age at Czepiel’s Garage, Garstka’s Garage, M & S Garage and Stopa’s Garage before settling down at the City of Chicopee, Central Maintenance Garage, where he retired from in 2008.  His time spent at Czepiel’s garage was his most cherished, where he volunteered as a member of their Stock Car Team, the Purple 888, who won numerous championships.  Last we knew, the car resided at the New England Racing Museum in Loudon, New Hampshire, along with his Pit Crew jackets.  In his spare time, Ron enjoyed cooking and spending time with his grandchildren, especially if it included “garage time” building or fixing things with them.  He truly was a jack of all trades, inspiring all of us that there was nothing we could not accomplish if we set our minds to it.  He did not know the meaning of failure and instilled that in all of us.  His family wishes to thank the nurses and medical staff at Beacon Hospice for the exceptional support and care he received in his final days.  Visitation will be Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 69 East St. in Chicopee from 9 to 10 am, with a service at the funeral home at 10 am.  Ron’s burial will follow at St. Rose de Lima Cemetery in Chicopee.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc School, 587 Grattan St., Chicopee, MA  01020.