Michael A. Rybarski, retired technology executive, entrepreneur and author dies at 73.

Michael died peacefully on March 10, 2023 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer. Known as "Papa" to his grandsons, Michael loved spending time at their sporting events and giving them guitar lessons. Michael was an accomplished technology executive, having worked in senior roles at large companies as well as start-ups which eventually led him to found LifeChange Strategy Group which consulted with leading companies on brand and growth strategy. Creating 'Dignity Memorial' and 'The Remembrance Process' to help guide families in the funeral process. Michael was a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and events and authored the book, StartUp Smarts: The Thinking Entrepreneur's Guide to Starting and Growing Your Business, published in 2010 by Simon and Schuster.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on April 4, 1949, Michael attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois and went on to further his education and received an A.B. in Liberal Arts Honors from Providence College and went on to receive an M.A. from The University of Chicago in English Language and Literature, and an M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Michael's long and successful career took him and Jan from Boston, to San Francisco and Houston where they ultimately settled and built a life full of love, laughs, friendships and charitable work caring for the homeless. Michael was a fixture at the WayStation and Church in the Park, flipping pancakes and serving breakfasts to his homeless brethren every Friday for many years, as well as Sunday mornings at Lord of the Streets (LOTS) an Episcopal Church Ministry. Michael and Jan enjoyed traveling and took many memorable family vacations to the US Virgin Islands, Cape Cod, Alaska, Dominican Republic and more. On one particularly memorable Alaskan cruise, Michael's family marveled at how after the first few hours on the large, luxury liner, Michael could walk through the main dining room saying hello to 25 people he'd met in the first afternoon on the ship. Michael was a bon vivant who made friends easily and enjoyed meeting new people from all over the world. His oversized and gregarious presence will be sorely missed at family events as will his frequent recitations of every great line from the 1998 film, The Big Lebowski.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Jan Rybarski (Plummer) and their children, Crystal Smith (Jason), Jeffrey Casella, Daughter-in-law Crystal Ann. Grandsons, Jeffrey, Spencer, Daniel and David, as well as his brothers John Rybarski (Mary Kay) Joseph Rybarski (Carol) and his sister, Mary Goska (Ken). Sisters-in-law Lyn Plummer, Karen Carroll (Peter), and Brother-in-law William Plummer (Michele) as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends. He was predeceased by his loving Mother and Father, Dorothy (Zak) Rybarski and Walter Rybarski.

In memory of Michael donations can be made to Lord of the Streets (LOTS) Episcopal Church, 3401 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77004, please reference in memory of Michael Rybarski.