Henry George Trybus
With heavy hearts, we announce that Henry George Trybus entered into eternal life on Jan. 11, 2021. His loving family is grateful to have been by his bedside every moment before his death.
Henry was the youngest of nine children born to Adam Trybus and Anielia Krzywda, immigrants from Poland. He was born Feb. 22, 1927, in the small coal mining town of Lilly, Pa. His first memories were of learning his prayers in Polish, taught to him by his mother. His father was a coal miner and Henry briefly followed his father and brothers into the backbreaking work in the mines.
When he turned 18, Henry enlisted in the U.S. Army. World War II was just ending and Henry was stationed as a guard outside the trials at Nuremburg. His service completed, he returned to the U.S. and attended St. Francis University, in Loretto, Pa., on the GI Bill, becoming the first member of his family to earn a college degree.
He attended medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo. He did not own a car, so he walked and hitchhiked from Pennsylvania to Missouri on numerous occasions.
While home on a break from medical school, he met Mona Jean Carles, of Altoona, Pa., on a blind date. Their three-year courtship was one of letter writing while he completed his medical training.
Henry and Mona were married on Aug. 24, 1957, and moved to Sperry Lane in Middlefield, where he began his primary care practice. He quickly developed a reputation for kindness, competence and generosity, and his practice flourished.
Caring for the Amish population in Geauga County was particularly important to him and he did house calls, home deliveries and was available to care for their needs at all hours. His patients were like family and he even delivered a baby boy who was named in his honor.
Henry was the father of three children and instilled in them his values of hard work and kindness to our fellow humans. Eventually, Henry became known simply as “Doc,” a simple nod to his true passion. After 50 years of service he retired from private practice, but continued to volunteer his services at a free clinic in Painesville.
The first great love of Henry’s life was his family and he fervently supported his children’s academic and athletic efforts, then subsequently his grandchildren’s. In spite of his busy medical practice he rarely missed a game, concert or show. He was an ardent supporter of Cardinal Schools, having served as team physician for many years.
Later, Doc found his second great love on the links in golf. He was on a constant quest to find the perfect swing and was happy to share his thoughts on that with others. He spent many wonderful days playing rounds of golf at Grandview Golf Course and enjoyed many evenings of fellowship with his Golf and Feast Group. St. Lucy’s was his lifelong spiritual home.
Doc loved anything associated with the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, cocktail hour with family and friends, and always knew who the Yankees were playing and the final game score.
He is a beloved grandfather to Jason Henry Ronyak (Cara), Jessica Ronyak (Daniel White), Jerrod Ronyak (Alexandra), Matthew Trybus, Katherine Trybus, Kira Tabor, Joseph Trybus, Andrew Trybus, Annelouise Trybus; and great-grandfather to Charlie Jean Ronyak.
His life was a testament to hard work and determination, and demonstrates how to reach out of whatever coal mine you might find yourself in, walk wherever you need to walk in order to better yourself, and finally spend the rest of your life in service to others. We love you, thank you and miss you always, Doc.
Doc is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mona; his children, Marcella (Dale), Stephanie, Jerome (Paula); his grandchildren and great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, we request you consider supporting Cardinal Athletic Boosters, P.O. Box 41, Middlefield, OH 44062 or disabled Amish children through Sunny Acres Amish Parochial School Fund, c/o Middlefield Bank, P.O. Box 35, Middlefield, OH 44062.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.
Sly Family Funeral Home assisted his family with arrangements.
