Richard Eugene Rytel

Richard E. Rytel, age 92, of Novi, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2022. Richard was the loving husband of Marilyn for 66 years; beloved Dad of Linda Weissman (Randy), Karen DiMaso (the late Tony), Vicki Craft (Bryan) and Sharon Rytel; cherished Papa of 7, Brittany Quatrochi (Joe), Courtney Weissman, Brandon Weissman, Loren Brown, Charlotte Tucker (David), Alex Harman (Joe), and Patricia Holbel. Great Papa of 6, Jacob Brown, Olivia Tucker, Lilah Tucker, Xander Harman, Griffin Harman, and Parker Harman. A private funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Farmington MI., followed by a private ceremony at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would like to honor Richard's proud service in the Navy's Seabee Battalion. Donations can be made in Richard's memory to the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association: www.seabee.org/donate. While making your donation please scroll down to fill in Richard's name to honor his memory, which also allows the family to recognize your thoughtful contribution. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, (248) 474-5200. Heeney-Sundquist.com
Richard was the youngest of four children born of two Polish immigrant parents. He grew up in Ambridge, PA. In his younger days, he was fondly known as Richie. Richard was an accomplished track star in high school, becoming the 1947 Pennsylvania State Cross Country champion, the1948 All State Mile champion, and the 1948 Pennsylvania State runner-up in 880.
Richard enlisted and served in the Navy as part of the SeaBees Battalion. He would fondly recall building runways in Alaska "made out of ice cubes".
After serving in the Navy, Richard enrolled in Bowling Green State College, taking advantage of the GI Bill and a track scholarship. He met a young Marilyn, at Bowling Green State, on the "first day of school". He told the story countless times of spotting her in the cafeteria while he was working. He would tell of her having his heart at that moment and pursued her from then on. Richard graduated Bowling Green State in 1956.
Richard married Marilyn on August 27, 1955. Together they had four daughters, and a very full life. He took pride in keeping the most lush, green lawn in the neighborhood. The lawn was always "double-cut" in opposite directions, had pristine edging, and not a single weed. He was also very handy. He could fix almost anything in the house, including the patience to get knots out of necklaces for his daughters. Richard was a lifelong Catholic and later in life enjoyed close friendships with a group of priests. The priests were his golfing buddies that he fondly referred to as "the padres". Richard was also proud of having the honor of being President of Friends of the Cardinal under Cardinal Maida.
As the four daughters grew up, married, and had children, another name was proudly worn by Richard. That name was "Papa". Together, Papa and Nana (Marilyn), always looked forward to time with the grandkids. Playing, "sleep over" visits, and the opportunity to experience great grandkids. The grandkids have memories of the backyard swing and helping Papa pick vegetables in his garden. There was always candy in his glove compartment, car door, or magic suitcase, ready to give to the grandkids. Sometimes there was a sneaky hug, where he quietly slipped the grandkids money for something fun.
Richard had a long and successful career in the automotive industry as Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, for Sheller Globe Corporation. Upon retirement from Sheller Globe, he then enjoyed a second, long and prosperous career consulting with automotive corporations to help build and strengthen their business relationships with the Japanese auto manufacturers. Richard combined a love of business, dining, and golfing with his many Japanese colleagues in his travels to Japan and while hosting Japanese business colleague visitors.
Richard enjoyed a long time membership at Plum Hollow Golf Club for hosting family and business colleagues. This combined his love of golf with his love for cigars, bourbon, and good food and allowed him the joy of sharing all of that with others.
Richard also enjoyed many Golf trips with his Japanese colleagues, business partners, and sons-in-law. These wonderful getaways were always accompanied by cigars, some excellent bourbon, martinis, and often a steak dinner.
Richard fostered his love of his Polish heritage, through Hamtramck bakeries, and searching out supplies for his homemade sauerkraut, and hand grated horseradish. We have many fond memories of authentic paczki and chrusciki (angel wing cookies).
He always remembered your name and could recall certain details about you. No one, not even the waitress, valet, doctor or nurse was ever a stranger.
He never met a dog that didn't fall in love with him (and treasured his forbidden table treats).
His daughters and their families have very happy memories of the traditional birthday call. Dad/Papa would sing Happy Birthday to each of us every year.
Richard, Dad, Papa We love you bunches and bunches and we'll miss you.