Alexander Anthony Steven Rykala, 74, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully at UF Shands Hospital, Gainesville on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. He was born on October 12, 1944 in Quakenbruck, Germany to the late Toni and Eva Rykala.
“Alex” to all who knew him, married his loving wife Isabelle Coward, on April 11, 1975. They lived in Union Beach, NJ for 14 years, then in Holmdel, NJ for 19 years. Where he enjoyed hunting and teaching his girls to fish, boat and catch crabs (it was a Jersey thing)! He enjoyed bowling, archery and teaching Ali and Stef about life and nature. Alex was a devoted Dad and loving husband.
In 2006 when Alex was diagnosed with cancer he decided to retire and when all treatments ended and he was fully recovered, in 2008 he said, “Florida here we come.” He had been residing in The Village of St. Charles for ten years. Alex loved playing golf when he could, dancing in the squares, swimming and driveway parties with the LSD’s.
Alex is survived by his wife Isabelle of almost 44 years and his two (as he saw them) beautiful daughters Stefanie Erin Krieg of The Villages and Alexson Hansen (husband Christopher) of Story City, Iowa; grandchildren Aidan and Cydney of Story City, Iowa; sister Halina O’Brien (husband Dennis), one niece Danielle (husband Bill) all of South Bound Brook, NJ which is where Alex grew up and graduated high school.
Alex will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his kind heartedness and the deep love he had and showed for his family and friends. He loved Aidan and Cydney up to the moon and back again. Always and forever my love, till we meet again in Heaven and begin our next life together.
On Monday, December 10, 2018 there will be a viewing for family and friends from 3 – 5 p.m., with a prayer service at 4 p.m. located, at Hiers-Baxley Funeral and Cremation Life Event Center, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 11 a.m., located at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 5323 East County Road 462, Wildwood, Florida 34785. Burial will follow at Florida National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to St. Vincent de Paul Building Fund, which can be made directly to the church.
