Obituary of Eric Paul Goryl

Eric P. (Rick) Goryl, Sr., of Luzerne passed away on Saturday, December 11 at the General Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. Born on January 15, 1952 in Kingston, he was the son of the late George and Edith Genzel Goryl. He attended and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, class of 1969 and Kings College, class of 1973 with a degree in computer programming. Prior to his illness and subsequent retirement he was employed by Leslie Fay in Plains Township as a Computer Programmer Analyst. Rick and his wife are the parents of three wonderful boys. When he retired from Leslie Fay, Rick became a full time father to his three sons. Rick was very active in the Boy Scouts of America. His son David was a member of Cub Scout pack 339 based at ST. Ignatius Church in Kingston. He remained active in the Cub Scouts. Rick became Scoutmaster of Troop 339 in 2002. He has led the Troop since that time. Four of the scouts have attained the rank of Eagle Scout under his leadership. His son David became an Eagle Scout in April 2008 and serves as Assistant Scoutmaster. Rick loved to go camping with his troop, taking them too many places. Under his leadership the scouts have completed the Historic Gettysburg Trails patch. Rick also participated in the Traveling Camporee every two years, leading his troop camping in Washington D. C. and Arlington Virginia, Quebec Canada and Williamsburg Virginia. Rick's sons, Eric, Jr., Dan and Dave were the center of his life. Wherever Rick was the boys were also. His son Eric, Jr., shared a love of cars, car shows, fishing, home improvement projects and biking with his father. One of their favorite things to do was to go the Hershey Car Show and the Macungie Car Show. His son Dan loved to sit at the kitchen table at night and talk with his dad and watch funny videos. Together the boys and their dad enjoyed watching the Three Stooges, Animal House and Beerfest. In 2002 Rick was elected to Luzerne Borough Council serving as one of seven councilmen. In 2006 he was elected as Council President serving the borough until 2008 when he stepped down due to failing health. During his tenure as Council President, Rick was instrumental in procuring funds to stabilize Toby's Creek to protect the borough from future flooding. He also wrote and obtained a grant to refurbish Marion Street and other projects in the borough. In all matters, Rick was always looking to better the borough of Luzerne. As a member of Holy Family Parish, Rick was active in many church activities. He was a member of the Building and Grounds Committee as well as a Sunday counter. Eric is survived by his wife the former Maureen Bartholomew; sons, Eric, Jr.; Dan and David all at home; his sister, Virginia Samson and husband Joseph of Pringle, several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be held on Friday at 9:30 AM from the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Inc. 568 Bennett St. Luzerne with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Holy Family Parish, Luzerne with Rev. John Lapera officiating. Interment will be in St. Ignatius Cemetery, Pringle. Friends may call on Thursday from 5-8 PM at the Funeral Home. Condolences can be sent to sympathy@betzjastremski.com