Dr. Robert A. Gryboski '57

Dr. Robert A. Gryboski, beloved local surgeon, of Holmes Beach, FL, formerly of both New Britain and Farmington, CT, died peacefully on May 17, 2023, following a long and valiant battle with ALS. The son of Boleslaw and Marie (Ostroski) Gryboski, he was born in New Britain in 1939 and attended local schools during his childhood. He eventually earned a scholarship to Avon Old Farms preparatory school by winning a Hartford County writing competition initiated by the Schools founder, Theodate Pope Riddle and he credited his time at Avon Old Farms for giving him the education, values and confidence which shaped the rest of his life. Robert received his B.A. degree in English Literature from Yale University in 1961 and remained in New Haven to attend Yale Medical School, from which he graduated in 1965. After medical school, he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War as the Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Estes, followed by ten months as a Medical Officer at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA. He moved to Boston in 1969 to complete his three-year residency at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and in 1972 returned to his hometown of New Britain to practice Otolaryngology until his retirement in 2012. In his younger years, he was an avid runner, frequently embarking on 15-mile jogs around the Shuttle Meadow Reservoir in New Britain. He was a devoted Red Sox fan, rarely missing an opportunity to watch a game following his retirement. Shortly before his death, Roberts passion for literature and writing led to the completion and publication of both his autobiography and also Me and Shakespeare, his personal interpretation of twelve plays. But most of all, he was a loving and devoted father, who loved nothing more than spending time with his kids and all of their friends, who were always welcomed at his Farmington house and affectionately referred to him as The Doc.

Robert is survived by his four children, Elena Lasker (and husband, David) of Atlanta, GA, Robert Gryboski, Jr. (and ReRe Corcoran) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Melanie Marshall (and husband, Jon) of Natick, MA, and David Gryboski (and Heather Peterson) of Holmes Beach, FL. He dearly loved his granddaughter, Charlie and his two grandsons, Mick and Billy. Robert is additionally survived by his first wife and the mother of his children, Bonnie Meyer of Oakland, CA, as well as his three nephews and their wives and children who all loved their Uncle Bob. He is also survived by Jack the Cat. Robert is predeceased by his aforementioned parents, his two older brothers, Dr. William Gryboski and Robert Gryboski, and his second wife, Donna Smith.

Celebration of Life ceremonies honoring Robert will occur in Holmes Beach, FL and New Britain, CT in the coming months. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of sympathy flowers, please consider a donation to The ALS Association (als.org), to help fund research to combat the disease. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.