Michael Kostryckyj

Michael Kostryckyj was born in Philadelphia to Margareta (nee Windel) and Wasyl Kostryckyj.

Michael was a graduate of Central High School class of ’75 and later, Temple University class of ’79. He graduated Temple with a BS in Dental Technology.  His expertise developed in implant dentistry, mastering and teaching the latest technology in creating beautiful smiles.  Many colleagues have called him a legend in the dental industry. 

A loving, caring father and grandfather, Michael or “Tato”, is blessed with three beautiful daughters and three very active grandsons who call him “Deedo”.  Though frequent visits from Florida to Philadelphia were difficult because of his illness, he made a point of spending as much time as possible with family in person or by live video technology. 

Not only was Michael known for his professional expertise, but also for his elevating demeanor. First introduced to Facebook as a way to communicate with family and friends about his experiences as a lung transplant patient, he later gravitated his posts to comedy, political satire and most recently to faithful, spiritually uplifting inspirations.  To quote a dear friend’s tribute: “His faith in God and his belief that God’s will be done carried him through many difficult times and gave him strength to survive and bounce back when others would have given up hope”.  One of Michael’s last posts quoted: 

“I ask God:  

‘Why are you taking me through troubled waters?’  

God replied:  

‘Because your enemies can’t swim.’” 

Michael, always thinking of others, put their needs before his own.  He made others feel better about themselves even though he was battling life-threatening illness.  Michael would never let his battles become the battles of others. He will be remembered for his humor, his generosity, his finesse for cooking, his love of fishing and the ocean.  He was a fighter and would not let his illness interfere with his dedication to family life or work.  He will be missed by everyone who knows him.

As Michael often said instead of good bye ... “see ya, kiddo”. 

Michael is survived by his wife Chrystyna Rakoczy-Kostryckyj; his daughter, Adrianna Kostryckyj-Kropp and her husband Andrew Kropp and  their son Gavin; his daughter, Larysa Winkelspecht and her husband Matthew and their sons Maximus and Dominic; his daughter, Anne Gruner and her husband Tony; his brother, Andreas Kostryckyj; his brother-in-law Jarema Rakoczy and family; and his in-laws, the Kropp, Winkelspecht and Gruner families.

All are invited to his 10:00AM Ukrainian Catholic Memorial Liturgy on October 13, 2018 at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1206 Valley Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027. Family will begin greeting guests at 9:00AM. 

There will also be a Roman Catholic Memorial Liturgy on Saturday October 20 at 11:00AM at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9715 North 56th Street, Temple Terrace FL 33617

In lieu of flowers or gift baskets please consider donating in Michael’s memory to:

https://unos-tribute.everydayhero.com/us/in-loving-memory-of-michael-kostryckyj-1

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