David Joseph Bylica (Dave), 67, of rural Ashland, passed away on December 8, 2023.Born in Amherst on May 16, 1956, Dave was the son of Zigmund and Loretta (Grochocki) Bylica.
Dave graduated from Ashland High School in 1974 and studied chemical engineering at Case Western Reserve University. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America as a youth and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. During his youth, he ran the lights as part of the Ashland High School Drama Club and later showed movies in several area theaters including the Ashland Theater. Dave married his wife of 44 years, Patricia (Krieger) Bylica, on January 6, 1979. As a young man, he had various jobs before he settled into a long career working in Quality Assurance. He worked at Hess and Clark in Ashland, Caraustar in Bucyrus, and retired from Charles River Labs in Ashland in 2021.
Dave enjoyed spending time with his family, taking road trips, tinkering with machines and old cars, and had a passion for history. He was a lifelong learner and was able to fix anything that had a repair manual. Dave enjoyed the little things in life, and great outdoors. He was happiest sitting on a rocker on his porch, drinking coffee, looking at the trees and watching the birds.
Dave is survived by daughters Shelley Bylica of Shelby, Ohio and Linda Bylica Lark (Adam) of New Hartford, New York, and his grandchildren Sagan and Aria. He was preceded in death by his wife by only 18 days, and by his parents. He was close to many of his in-laws, the Kriegers, and is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, who supported him throughout.
A joint Memorial Service for Patricia and David Bylica will be held at Heyl Funeral home in the spring, date to be announced.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.heylfuneralhome.com
Heyl Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Funeral Home: Heyl Funeral Home
Website: www.heylfuneralhome.com