ROCKLAND — William O. ‘Bill’ Rytky, Jr, 78, died January 6, 2023 at Maine Medical Center in Portland after a period of declining health. Born in Rockland, October 9, 1944, he was the son of William O., Sr. and Ruth Rogers Rytky.

Bill was a 1963 graduate of the newly opened Rockland District High School. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years.

He was first employed at the Rockland IGA and then worked 39 years with the City of Rockland, Public Works Department.

Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a lifetime member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, No. 1008.

Other than his mother and father, Bill was predeceased by a brother, Dennis Rytky.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maryjane Vanorse Rytky; his sisters, Florence (Fred) Clough, Sandra (Bill) Keefe, Jane Benner, Mary (Ron) Howell; his brother, Tom Rytky; his in-laws, Donna (David) Culbertson, Beverly Foster, David (Nancy) Vanorse, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Friday, January 13, 2023, from 3 to 4 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where Military Honors will be presented at 4 p.m., followed by an Elks Memorial Service provided by members of B.P.O.E. No. 1008 and completing with words of hope, comfort and committal, officiated by the Reverend Wayne Sawyer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Shelter of choice.

To share a memory or story with Bill’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.