Michael Anthony "Mike" Rydock

Michael Anthony “Mike” Rydock, 86, of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, went home to be with his Heavenly Father surrounded by his cherished family on November 18, 2024. This day also marked the 63rd wedding anniversary of Mike and his beloved wife, Berni.  Born in Detroit, Michigan, Mike was the son of the late Michael Andrew Rydock and Mary Pauline (Krakosky) Rydock. He married the love of his life, Berni (Crinion) Rydock on November 18, 1961. Mike was the treasured father of Michael Rydock, James Rydock (Astrid Roestad), Mary Smith (David) and Kirsten Felice (Marc); the adored Grandpa to seven grandchildren and “Abba” to four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Andrea, his younger sister Mary Rydock Swanson, and his grandson Andrew David Smith (in June, 2024).

After graduating from the Holy Ghost Fathers Seminary in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mike served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Gainard.  He worked as a tool designer for several years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before taking a position in 1972 as an industrial engineer at AMP, Inc. in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  He retired in 1998 from AMP, but pursued more education and new careers, showcasing his lifelong passion for learning and heart for service. He earned a B.A. in Economics and Psychology from Marquette University, an M.B.A. from Shippensburg University, an M.A. in Pastoral Theology from Saint Mary of the Woods College and also passed his C.P.A. exams. After he retired from AMP, Mike and his wife served as Chaplains for 15 years at Philhaven in Mt. Gretna Pennsylvania, and as substitute house parents at Milton Hershey School. He was an active member of his church community, distributing communion to homebound parishioners, leading Bible study and acting as a volunteer grief counselor. Most recently, Mike became an instructor for English Language Learners.

Mike devoted his life to God and prayer. He held a profound belief in the sanctity of marriage and, along with his wife Berni, a desire to assist other couples in fostering committed and fulfilling marriages of their own. They served together in Catholic Church organizations centered on social action and marriage renewal, including Young Christian Workers, Christian Family Movement, Engaged Encounter, Marriage Encounter and Retrouvaille. Mike and Berni impacted many couples through their ministry and were known as the “dynamic duo” and “lovebirds” at their beloved parish of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and in the community. Mike’s numerous interests included stamp collecting, model airplane building, calligraphy, reading, drawing and the study of foreign languages, especially Norwegian and German. He loved taking trips with his wife to Cape May, Gettysburg, and Norway. To all who knew and loved Mike, he was forever humble, kind, curious, caring and a gifted listener, always directing his attention away from himself and toward the interests of others. We will miss his gentle, loving, warm and peaceful spirit.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church, 904 Mill Rd, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2:00pm with visitation from 1:00 pm until the time of service. A meal will follow in the parish hall. A private family burial will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Michael Rydock’s memory to support Retrouvaille, a ministry providing retreat weekends to couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage relationships.  Mike and his wife served in this ministry for 35 years, impacting over 1000 couples. Checks may be made to: Diocese of Harrisburg (On memo line- “In memory of Mike Rydock”) and mailed to Retrouvaille Ministry, Catholic Life and Evangelization, 4800 Union Deposit Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17111.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com. Arrangements entrusted to Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Elizabethtown.