Board members of District 7090’s Gift of Life Project wish to share the passing of our founder, John D. Rydzik, Ed.D. on March 8, 2026. John attended a Rotary International Conference in 1994 at which he heard a speaker for the Gift of Life program.
He was very affected by the thought that the lives of so many children from underdeveloped countries were cut short because of a lack of cardiac care available even at that time.
Upon his return to District 7090, he suggested that our district adopt Gift of Life as a project.
This was approved and the Rotary District 7090 Gift of Life was formed and implemented.
It is now in its 30th year as a district project and is regarded as a successful project that has achieved sustainability for long-term survival.
A report for the last 13 years of district giving indicates that District 7090 has donated a total of $112,454.00 to GOL life-saving projects.
A total of 848 lives has been saved by District 7090 thus far. Lives that would have been lost without the support of generous Rotarians in our district.
During his last years, John devoted his energy to the care of his wife, Sylvia, who passed away several months ago. Sylvia was a Rotarian also and even though his health was failing, he kept his promise to her to keep her at home. John was unable to continue active participation on the GOL Board, and he was elected the first honorary Board member for District 7090’s GOL.
John decided he wanted a quiet passing with no funeral service. He obviously did not want a great celebration of his life. He was very humble for a man who accomplished so much. He served as District Governor of 7090 for the 1993-94-year, Polio Plus Coordinator for Zone 28 (five states) for 10 years, and was the Hamburg Sunrise Rotary Club Charter President in 1991. He remained a member of the Hamburg Sunrise Club until his passing. He was always very proud that his club sponsored an annual dinner for military veterans on Veterans Day. Prior to forming the Sunrise club, John belonged to the Rotary Club of Hamburg and kept in contact with that club through visits to meetings, and support of projects and social affairs.
John was always very proud to have served our country as a member of the Marine Corp. He served in the Korean War. In civilian life, he maintained active membership in several post- military organizations including the Marine Corps League, Amvets, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also very proud of his 26 years in the field of Education. John retired after serving as Vice-President/CEO for 10 years at Erie Community College in Hamburg. He was an Emeritus member of Phi Delta Kappa International.
Rob Raylman, Chief Executive Officer for Gift of Life International, expressed his personal condolences and those of the Board of GOL International. He sent a photo of a plaque dedicated to John depicting a child in Honduras who just had heart surgery. This surgery was done in honor of John by GOL International. Little Sophia’s life was saved because of his dedication and service. The photo of the award is attached.
John requested that any memorials be made to either The Rotary Foundation (Best of Friends Heritage Endowment Fund/Rotary District 7090}, or to the Marine Corps League. The Marine Corps League can be located at https://www.mcleaguelibrary.org .
Donations can also be made to 7090’s Gift of Life Program. Those donations can be sent to:
Pat Castiglia for U.S. donations. Her address is 6055 Armor Duells Rd. Apt.217, Orchard Park, NY14127. Canadian donations may be sent to Margaret Andrewes, Treasurer, 4750 Mountainview Road, Lincoln, Ontario L3J1TS
Checks should be made out to: Rotary District 7090 Gift of Life and on the memo line, please write “John Rydzik memorial”. John’s obituary can be accessed at https://www.colonialmemorialchapels.com/obituaries/john-rydzik
John’s legacy remains with us – a successful way to save lives around the world.
Well done John. Rest in peace. Semper Fidelis!
