William J. "Bill" Rydzy, 68, of Pattersonville Road, Ringtown and a former resident of Shenandoah, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening at the home of his significant other and caregiver, Elizabeth Mihalick, in Mahanoy City.

Born in Shenandoah, Jan. 16, 1947, he was a son of the late John Rydzy and the former Marie (Shistle) Andrulonis. He was also raised by his late stepfather, Frank Andrulonis.

Bill was a graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.

He was a decoratedArmy veteran of theVietnam War. He received thePurple Heart, Vietnam Service and Campaign medals, National Defense Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a production worker at the former Bethlehem Steel.

Bill was a devout member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Ringtown, and a former member of St. George Church, Shenandoah. He was a life member of the DAV, A. Oshinski Chapter 31, Shenandoah.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents and stepfather, were his wife, the former Janice Marie Catherman; his son-in-law, Ricky E. Dye Jr.; one brother, John F. Rydzy; and one sister, Theresa Kadinski.

Surviving, in addition to his companion and caregiver, are his daughter, Crystal Dye, Ringtown; three grandsons, Richard Dye and his wife, Teela, Boise, Idaho, and Bradley and Dale Dye, both of Ringtown; three great-grandchildren, Remington, Lilly and Kaydence Dye; one brother, Walter Rydzy and his wife, Anne, Fayetteville, N.C.; one sister, Frances Shusko, Florida; two step-daughters, Tina Kessler, Virginia Beach, Va., and Loretta Kessler Swetavage, Shenandoah; three step-grandchildren, Vincent and Anthony Swetavage and David Dower; one stepsister, Janice Chimahosky, New Jersey; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 82 N. Center St., Ringtown. The Rev. James M. Torpey, pastor, will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

Relatives and friends may call at the church from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. There will be no viewing or services at the funeral home.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements.