Edward "Pops" Rychalsky, 59, a devoted husband, father, pop-pop and friend went home to rest with the Lord on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Highly thought of by so many, he will be missed greatly by his beloved wife Linda, with whom he celebrated 37 years of marriage on March 13, his daughters Audrey, fiancé of Raymond Kenny, Cathy, wife of Russ Carl Jr., Bernadette, wife of Daniel Rosa, Crystal, wife of Charles Pannell, his ten loving grandchildren:  Scott Kenny, Daniel Rosa, Ashley Braungard, Justin Rosa, Halie Braungard, Damian Rosa, Marcus Rosa, Brianna Rychalsky-Carl, Cheridyn Pannell and Christian Pannell.  Pops is also survived by his sister, Sister Joan Rychalsky, IHM, by his brother, Joseph Rychalsky, husband of Carol as well as by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Pops will be greatly missed by his best friend/almost brother, Bob Chambers.   His father Joseph, his mother Audrey, and his brother Robert preceded him in death.

Pops enjoyed his wonderful co-workers and owners of Hammond Pretzels where he worked since 1991.  He loved to talk and share with the numerous people with whom he had the opportunity to greet on his route each day.

Pops was inspired by so many extraordinary individuals throughout his life and made it his priority to give back.  Pops spent many years volunteering as a coach and/or assistant for the various St. Joseph athletic teams and the men's club as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church/Parish.  He and Linda were foster parents for fifteen-years, providing love, care and security to many beautiful children.

Pops loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.  He enjoyed sharing food, fun and companionship with family, neighbors, friends and co-workers alike.  Sunday morning breakfasts were a favorite past time for him and for all those fortunate enough to drop by for his great meals, especially his S.O.S.

Pops served our beautiful country as a member of the United States Air Force.  It was here that fate led Ed and Linda to an all-too-short but most memorable and meaningful life together.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph Street, Lancaster, on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 10:00AM. Interment will be in St Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman, PA. A viewing will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 414 E. King Street, Lancaster on Sunday from 4:00-6:00PM and at the church on Monday from 9-10:00AM.