Edward Dybicz, local historian and reporter
Edward J. Dybicz, 91, of Swedesburg, a newspaper reporter, an Upper Merion historian, and a civic volunteer, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, of pancreatic cancer at Mercy Suburban Hospital.
Edward J. Dybicz, 91, of Swedesburg, a newspaper reporter, an Upper Merion historian, and a civic volunteer, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, of pancreatic cancer at Mercy Suburban Hospital.
Mr. Dybicz, a bachelor, lived alone in Swedesburg for many years. He was careful to write his own obituary.
Born in Swedesburg, he graduated in 1941 from Upper Merion High School, where he was class orator and editor of the school newspaper.
He took a year of courses in foreign and language studies at the University of Iowa, Iowa City.
In 1943, he enlisted in the Army and served in the European theater during World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart and European-African-Middle Eastern Medal with two bronze stars, and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of sergeant.
Mr. Dybicz was a staff member of the Conshohocken Recorder in 1941 and a correspondent for the Norristown Times Herald for 30 years. He covered the visit of Pope John Paul II to the United States in 1979 and met the pontiff at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He also was a retired office worker for the Alan Wood Steel Co. in Plymouth Township.
He was one of the last surviving organizers of the Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company, formed in 1942, and served as its recording secretary for 27 years.
Mr. Dybicz served as vice chairman of the Upper Merion Municipal Authority from 1953 to 1956. He was retired from the Upper Merion Township Auxiliary Police.
Known widely for his study of local history, Mr. Dybicz wrote the History of Swedesburg in 1962 as part of the community's 250th anniversary. His historical articles appeared in many newspapers and magazines.
Mr. Dybicz answered historical inquiries for the Upper Merion Township Board of Supervisors in the late 1940s. For his writings, he received awards from the Upper Merion Park and Historical Foundation and the Legion of Honor of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains.
Mr. Dybicz was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Swedesburg, and a life member of its Holy Name Society.
He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 7878 of Upper Merion; Montgomery County Historical Society; Valley Forge Historical Society; and Montgomery County Fire Police.
He is survived by many cousins. A sister died earlier.
A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at Sacred Heart Church, 120 Jefferson St., Swedesburg. Friends may call after 9 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Augustine Cemetery, King of Prussia.