Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
William Bryk Obituary
William E. Bryk
Jan. 18, 1951 - April 6, 2021
SCHERERVILLE, IN - William E. "Bill" Bryk, age 70, of Schereville, IN, formerly of Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 6, 2021.
Loving husband of Jacqueline M. Bryk, (nee Chess). Devoted dad of Kari Bryk, Billy Bryk, Nick (Nga) Basile, Erica (Rudy) Bambic, and the late Becky Bryk. Cherished grampie of Calista Basile and Gage Bambic. Dear brother of the late Janet Brykczynski. Kind uncle of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Dorothy Brykczynski.
Visitation on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Masks will be required. Prayer service on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 9:15 a.m. from SMITS FUNERAL HOME, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30//Pleasant Springs Ln.) to St. Joseph Catholic Church (masks required), 440 Joliet St., Dyer, IN, for a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, with Rev. Ted Mauch officiating, (live streamed at www.stjosephdyer.org).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=6998901&pg=personal&fr_id=39300) or Ronald McDonald House (1301 W. 22nd St., Suite #905, Oak Brook, IL 60523), in Memory of Bill.
Arrangements entrusted to SMITS FUNERAL HOME, for further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bryk
Jim Filzone
April 3, 2025
Just heard of the passing of Bill. My condolences. He was my coach at Thornton Community College in the late 70s. My memory of that time was that he awarded me most improved player my 2nd year.Great coach and an all around nice guy. Looks like he had a fabulous career and beautiful family.
C
June 8, 2024
Visiting the region and wanted to look up Bill and attempt to thank him for what he had done for me many years ago and am saddened to see he has passed. I had tried out at a Pirates camp and he worked his network to get me a D1 scholarship (no benefit to him). We’d chat whenever I’d see him scouting and he wisely told me to not to sign early and finish my degree. I ended up flaming out early in pro ball, but have benefited greatly from the degree and relationships gained through playing ball. No man is w/o flaws, but the selfless acts performed during a life well lived continue to benefit the world after your passing. Thank you, Bill for making a positive impact on my life.
JimHellrung
February 14, 2022
In cleaning out a dresser draw I found a card who brought many pleasant memories. This was Bryks card as Padre scout. I taught for many years at TCC & SSC and played many games of racquet ball and enjoyed talking baseball. I am still a die hard cardinal fan and have a freshman grandson who is about to start a season pitching for Indiana U. Ilost track of Bryk after he left TTC and am sorry I didn't maintain contact. He was a stand up guy who I liked very much. I wanted to pass on my condolences as late as it is to let you know how much I respected him as person and a coach.
Warren Karas
May 7, 2021
Heard late about Bills passing. Remember the great time from St Bronislava and the baseball leagues. Was a neighbor down the block and hang with our group of friends. Just a great guy. Condolences to his family.
Lynne Gugenheim
April 29, 2021
Bill was a great mentor and baseball scout. My husband and I sat next to him at many White Sox games, where we learned so much about the fine points of baseball. We shared our dried ginger and mangos with him and he shared his organic bars and love for the game and his family. He will be missed greatly in our little microcosm.
Joe Grzeczka
April 15, 2021
Billy Bryk remember the games at Eckersall stadium Bessemer Park and on the street of Essex avenue may you play the game in spectacular fashion ABOVE God Bless your family and comfort them in their loss. To the bryk family my prayers !!!!!!!!!
Joe Grzeczka
Bobby Morris & Bill Bryk
Gloria Morris
April 13, 2021
We are saddened at the loss of an incredible man with a relentless passion for helping grow the game of baseball. We our sincerest condolences, The Morris Family.
Mike Madura
April 13, 2021
So Sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He was such a great guy, and would always find time to work with our son and provide guidance when needed. I always enjoyed listening to his advice, his stories and more. Our family will truly miss him.
Our prayers go out to his family, from the Madura family.
Stanley Swida
April 13, 2021
Jackie, My sincere condolences to you and your family on Bill's passing. Upon hearing the news, I was flooded with memories of our youth, with a majority of them involving a bat and a ball. At that time of innocence, our only worries were getting enough kids to play, either at Cole School, Bessemer Park or Eckersall Stadium. From all of us kids that dreamed of "making it" as a pro, Bill was the one that was able to live that dream for a lifetime, being involved in the sport we loved.
I was happy I got to talk to him at Janice's brothers funeral. He told a few of his baseball stories, which I loved hearing. I could have listened to his stories for hours on end and I regret that I didn't get to hear more. I can only imagine the memories you have of being with him on his journey. Memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime.By reading the tributes honoring his life, he certainly made his family and friends proud.
RIP Bill and a job well done.
Scott Lovekamp
April 13, 2021
Bill was an incredible mentor. He opened doors and opportunities that otherwise I wouldn’t have had drafting & signing me out of college and was my first manager.
Later, we scouted and coached together, and along the way we developed a friendship that lasted a lifetime. He will be greatly missed but definitely not forgotten by those whose lives he touched. They say that mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction - Bill was the best, and the lessons he taught me will stay with me always. May he Rest In Peace..
Bob Brija
April 12, 2021
He was the best coach, the best teammate, and the best person. He will be missed by many.
Thomas Jakovich
April 12, 2021
To a very knowledgeable and compassionate human being and a great communicator. Bill was my coach and I learned so much from him about life in general. Tommy Jake the Snake Jakovich RIP
Tony Runion
April 12, 2021
Bill was one of the few people in my life that I can remember the first time we met. He was a great friend throughout my playing career and after. Few people have had a greater impact on my life. I am thankful to have called Bill my friend.
Tony Runion
Stephen
April 12, 2021
Bill was one of the better ones.
Mike Berger
April 12, 2021
Skipper
You were a one of a kind friend who had a tremendous impact on my professional life. You truly were a “fox hole guy”!
Rest In Peace my friend and continue to keep a watchful eye over all of us. My deepest condolences to the entire Bryk family and to your countless friends and admirers.
Mike Berger
Darwin Cox
April 12, 2021
Bill wasone of the most dedicated men that I have ever met when it came to family and of course baseball. Bill was one of my mentors back in the 80s when I got into the scouting world. He was funny guy who I loved to be around and helped make me a better scout. An old-time scout who loved his family and job. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his friends and family.
Dr Robert H Moll and Family
April 11, 2021
Dear Bryk Family , Our sincere sympathy and condolences to your Family! Requiem in Pace Bill ! I grew up also in South Chicago , and attended TCC . Lifetime White Sox Fan too !
Coach Michael Mayden
April 10, 2021
A great man
Dave Toth
April 10, 2021
Best guy and pitching coach ever ! Forever grateful for Billy , what a great example of a lifer !
Thanks Bryk,
Dave Toth
April 9, 2021
From The Saint Bronislava alumi , we are all deeply sadden by his passing, please accept our condolences,
Kathy Boller
April 9, 2021
Dear Jackie and Family,
I always remember Bill as a pure dynamo, full of fun, and charm. I was so sorry to read of his light being gone from our world. I know that everyone who has been touched by him in some way, will carry his energy onward. My memories will continue to shine with his spirit.
Kathy Kobus Boller
St. Bronislava, Class of 1965
Donna
April 8, 2021
Godspeed Big Cousin. Love you.
Brendan Domaracki
April 8, 2021
“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Thanks for always making me feel welcomed and appreciated, Bryky. Rest in peace.
Frank Lawrence
April 8, 2021
For Kari and Bill Jr.
Exceptional men are shared with the world.
Thank you for sharing this beyond exceptional
Man with all of us. Like so many others he has changed my life for the better with his wisdom, kind words, and pure love. I can't thank you enough for choosing to share him with me.
Ray Gottardo
April 8, 2021
I’m very sad to hear that Coach Bryk passed away last week. I played baseball for Coach Bryk at TCC from ‘77 to ‘78. He was one of the best coaches that I ever played for. He was a great guy and a great coach. He knew a lot about baseball and he taught us how to be better players. He loved the game just like we all did at TCC. He always made it fun at practice or during a game. He told great stories and jokes; he kept everyone loose. He made baseball fun. We took a trip to Ranger, Texas and it was fantastic; I’ll never forget that trip! I was a catcher at TCC and he let us go in the outfield to shag balls during batting practice. He also hit the catchers popups in the outfield. He could hit the ball straight up in the air with a fungo bat with no problem. I still can’t get over how he did that! He was kind to my family, too, always taking time to talk to them at games- especially my dad. He was a class act; I learned a lot from him that year. Thank you, Coach Bryk. I hope you will be pitching and coaching many games in heaven. I wanna catch on your team when I get there. I will miss you and I love you, Coach. Rest in Peace, Coach Bryk. Ray Gottardo #33.
Dewey Kalmer
April 8, 2021
Bill was always in a hurry and a man on a mission. He seemed to know everybody and everybody was his friend. Bill was my friend and I shall miss him. May he RIP. Dewey Kalmer
Kathie Ryba
April 8, 2021
Jackie, Nick and Erica: As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. The Ryba Family
Dorothy Schiemann
April 8, 2021
Jackie, Nick and Erica: So sorry to hear about Bill's passing. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ken and Dorothy Schiemann
Nancy Bracey
April 8, 2021
Jackie and family—What can I say but so sorry. Loved Bill so much. We had so many good times together. He is in much better place now. He loved you so much Jackie. He will see Brace and Keven agin and all his loved ones. Jackie I love you. Stay strong you will see him again. You are always in my heart. Nancy. Bracey
Dan Naughton
April 8, 2021
Bill and I were classmates in high school. We had a blast in English class together. Took my 13 year old son to Bill for some pitching lessons. With Bill's knowledge my son was able too pitch a no hitter in the Cal Ripken league. Bill will be missed by other students of the game growing up. But his memories will be forever in the game of baseball too cherish. RIP
Patrick Dawson
April 7, 2021
What "Wisdom" is greater then Kindness"
Thomas Janusz
April 7, 2021
Bill was a "stand up guy", you always knew where you stood with him in high school. It was always good to see him at the high school reunions. We will remember him as a real human being, with that contagious smile and great personality. He will be missed. Tom and Denise Janusz
Bruce Levine
April 7, 2021
Bill never met a stranger.He was the kindest person you would ever know.He always said I was a fox hole friend.( trust you with his life) That was doubly true of Bill. He loved Jackie and his family with all of his being.I will miss Brickie like all of you who knew him.He was the first one to say something positive about a person. I have had been lucky to have great friends in my life but none better than Bill Bryck.God bless his soul.
Chris Carminucci
April 7, 2021
You were the father figure I never had, the true friend I needed, and my hero. I will speak of you often and continue the legacy that you created. I love you so much. Until we meet again.
Harry Richter
April 7, 2021
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Lived around the corner on Maryland, but being 3 grades behind in school, I first came to know him as a baseball player at Thornridge HS in Dolton. Thru his professional accomplishments, as he found time, I was lucky to play with him later in the Over-35 baseball league in Lansing, as a Rocket! I'll always have fond memories ... my sincere condolences to all his family for your loss. May Bryk now be pitching with the 'Angels' in Heaven
Harry Richter
Kash Beauchamp
April 7, 2021
A True baseball man in every sense of the word. A man that players will never forget because of his kind nature and genuine care for every guy he came across. The game will never have the same “Jiniger” and he will truly be missed. Condolences to a great baseball family from all of the Beauchamp’s.
Gail Shilling
April 7, 2021
Jackie & family. My sympathies go out to you in this sad time. Bill, always said I had a “ truck driver mouth . “ and he was right. I know he is in a peaceful place right now & is with his family watching Wheel of Fortune. RIP Bill. Until we meet again. Gail Broski Shilling.
Jaymie Bane
April 7, 2021
Not everyone can make you feel like such a great person, scout, coach or player like Bryker could. Just a great friend. Loved seeing him at the yard and just talking baseball and life. Love ya Bryk
Rest Easy my friend.
Erica Bambic
April 7, 2021
You will be missed beyond words!!! Love Rudy, Erica, Gage and Coco Bambic
Kathy Foy-Fosnaugh
April 7, 2021
Jackie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Clyde and Fran Toczydlowski
April 7, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the Bryk family. May Bill Rest In Peace.
Nick Basile
April 7, 2021
We will miss you Grampie. We love YOU so much! Nick, Nga, and Calista
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Make a Donation
in William Bryk's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for William Bryk
Apr
13
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - Dyer2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311
Apr
14
Funeral services provided by:
Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - Dyer2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Bryk's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
