Deacon Robert J. Dybo, 81, Priest at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Lorain

Born in Wellington on January 12, 1943 he was a 1961 graduate of Wellington High School where he was a member and varsity letterman on the school’s football team.

In 1966 he joined the Elyria Police Department and embarked on a career in law enforcement that spanned a quarter century with the municipality; in addition to his daily departmental duties, Bob served as the coordinator of the city’s Safety Town Program for fifteen years and was a long-time volunteer for the county-wide Operation Open Heart. When off duty, he worked as a security and loss prevention specialist for the Sears and Roebuck Company at Midway Mall. He officially retired from his career in law enforcement holding the rank of Sergeant in 1991.

Following retirement, he joined Lifecare Ambulance Service in Elyria where he first served as dispatcher. Later, he was promoted to the role of supervisor of that firm’s wheelchair division.

Bob was a man of great faith and entered the Deaconate Program of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. Upon graduation, he was ordained and installed as a Permanent Deacon during ceremonies conducted in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on May 21, 1988. He initially was assigned to St. Mary Catholic Church in Elyria; in 1995 he was re-assigned to Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Lorain where he served the majority of his ministry. In addition, he was a regular assistant to the Bishop and Auxiliary Bishops during the Rite of Confirmation bestowed throughout Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties. He was also the long-time Chaplain of the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department.

Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the United Polish Club of Elyria. Known for the catch phrase “Got a minute?, he was always willing to share a joke, or story with anyone het met.

Bob was an avid reader who enjoyed science fiction as well as the adventure novels of Clive Cussler. In his free time he enjoyed maintaining his yard and riding his tractor. He also looked forward to him and his wife’s annual trips to Walt Disney World. “Been there. Done that. Goin’ back”.

He leaves his wife of more than fifty years Linda (nee Marciniak) , daughter Leesa Shope (Chip) of Elyria, and sons David Kern (Jennifer) of North Royalton and Robert L. Dybo (Cynthia) of Davenport, Florida. Additional survivors include ten grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Ralph Dybo and mother J. Muriel Dybo (nee Rickel).

Visitation will be conducted Friday March 15th, 2024 in Nativity BVM Catholic Church – 1454 Lexington Avenue, Lorain. The observance will begin with Vespers at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will commence immediately thereafter and will continue until 8:00 p.m. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday March 16th in the church. Inurnment will take place privately in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory are encouraged to Nativity BVM Catholic Church C/O 418 West 15th Street – Lorain, OH 44052, the Elyria Police Department, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel. To share your condolences with Linda and her family, please visit the Deacon’s tribute page at www.gluvnashimohromada.com.