It is with sorrow and reflection that we announce the sudden passing of Theodore B.Rybak, Jr., on April 8, 2025 (age 84) in Myrtle Beach, SC, where he lived. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

 

Teddy was born November 22, 1940, in Elmira, NY, the first child to Celeste and

Theodore Sr. He grew up in Elmira surrounded by his siblings Eileen (Seery), Patty

(Trainor), and Bob, and many cousins, who enjoyed many memories of “the Patch,”

Keuka Lake, and large Italian family gatherings that were never quiet or boring. 

He graduated from the Elmira Free Academy in 1958 and enjoyed playing football there.

After a brief stint at the University of Buffalo, he enrolled in the Navy, where he worked

as a cryptographer. He was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany, Guam and then at the

National Security Agency (NSA), where he met his first wife Nancy (Childrey).

Following their marriage in 1967, they raised their three daughters Sheree, Karen, and

Julie in Baltimore, Maryland surrounded by numerous pets. Most of his career was

spent at the Maryland State Lottery, from which he retired in 1998.

Following his retirement, he moved to Myrtle Beach so that he could enjoy his real

passion, golf. He played as often as he could at as many different courses as he could.

He found great joy in planning trips with his golf buddies to different destinations, and

these moments will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to

share them. Teddy also enjoyed bowling, and was a member of many leagues over the

years. Teddy was also a voracious reader…he was never not reading a book. He was

also, a big fan of the casino, going on monthly trips to Atlantic City when he lived in

Baltimore, gambling on water boat cruises, and yearly trips to Vegas. Blackjack was his

early favorite, but once he found craps there was no looking back. He loved teaching

people how to play.

In 2000, he married Cynthia Smailes, bringing him joy in the 2nd chapter of his life.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Nancy, cousin Jimmy Menechella, BFF

Gene Coomber, and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia and their dog Bandit, his daughters, Sheree Rybak (Jerry Myers), Karen Hilling, and Julie Oakes.   His grandchildren, Stephanie Helvig and Madison Oakes, His stepdaughters Christi (Kelly Smith) and Pamela (David Crites) and step-grandchildren Isabella and Drake Crites.   His siblings Eileen (Tom, deceased), Pat (Gail, deceased), and Bob (Angie), and many other family members and friends who will all hold on to the good memories. 

 

A private Celebration of Teddy’s life will be held on Tuesday April 15, at Sons and Daughters of

Italy in America Myrtle Beach Lodge 2662.

 

Please post your favorite Teddy stories and photos! In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to;

• Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (myasthenia.org) 

• Coral Dawn Kittens (FB: Coral Dawn Kittens  or email:  CDtnrkittenadoption@Gmail.com)   A local MB kitten rescue, where daughter Karen volunteers

• any charity of your choice in his honor.

 

Rest in peace, sweet husband, father, Pop Pop and friend.  You “sevened out” too soon. Hope that in your next chapter you find the perfect golf course with a casino, bowling alley, and well-stocked library.

Cremation Services Direct (843-651-1194) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is assisting the family with the arrangements.