Isaac "Ike" Ryba Charleston - Isaac "Ike" Ryba, 83, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Kristi Helstrom Ryba, passed away on March 20, 2020. His private graveside service will be held Sunday, March 22, 2020 in Emanu-El cemetery (Maryville), Sycamore Avenue at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel. A memorial service celebrating Ike's life will be held at a later date yet to be determined. Born April 2, 1936 on the island of Aruba in the Netherlands Antilles, the third of five children to Abraham and Dora Riba, Ike was always proud to tell people about his heritage as a Jewish Aruban. He was fluent in Spanish and Dutch and could also communicate in French, German, and his native Papiamento, often surprising unsuspecting waitresses or waiters by speaking to them in their natives tongues. After leaving Aruba in high school, Ike moved to New York with his family. After graduating from the City College of New York Baruch School of Business with a BBA degree and major in International Trade, he then helped at his father's shoe store before taking a job with Philipp Brothers which had him traveling around the world. He was eventually transferred to Charleston S.C. to participate on behalf of his company in a steel company joint venture. At the completion of that service, Ike chose to stay in Charleston, and subsequently became part owner, CEO, and General Manager of Charleston Disposal Services, Inc. growing it into one of the largest waste disposal businesses in the area. He eventually sold it and embarked on a new career in 1975 with Charleston Steel and Metal as Vice President and General Manager of its New Steel division. Eventually that division was spun off and sold to Ike and two partners, and it became Allied Steel Corporation, with Ike as President and CEO. After growing it to become one of the largest steel service centers in the area, the business was sold in 1997. He tried retiring for a few months, but in typical Ike fashion, he grew restless and joined with his good friend David Gilston at the Gilston Agency as an Employee Benefits Consultant in 1998. After another career there, Ike retired at the "young" age of 80. He is survived by his wife, Kristi , of Charleston SC; his four children: Clifford Ryba (Ann), of Charleston; Stuart Ryba (Lisa), of Duluth Georgia.; Sara A. Wright (Troy), of Stephens City, Virginia; and Becky Rothrock (Jonas), of Winchester, Virginia; one sister, Regina Heimlich, of Denver CO, and one brother, Benjamin Riba of New York. He loved and cherished his six grandchildren: Eric, Kevin, Lance, Lauren, Katie and Charlie. Ike became one of the most respected professional leaders of the Charleston Community and his name and reputation always brought great pride to his children and fellow leaders. His ability to lead his employees, to create a positive family environment and to build and grow successful companies was one of his many gifts. Even after moving on from his businesses, he maintained many relationships with former employees who respected him and looked up to him deeply. He was widely known for his ability to have conversations on just about anything and enjoyed quizzing his children and grandchildren. Ike was a proud Rotarian for over 35 years, and he served on several organizations. During his life, he was Chairman of the S.C. World Trade Center - Charleston; Chairman of the Highway 61 commission; President of Synagogue Emanu-El; and Vice-President of the Jewish Community Center. Ike also served on the Community Relations Council; the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and was development ambassador with the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. He was involved with many other civic activities including Commissioner of the City of Charleston Neighborhood Commission; President of the Marsh Cove Homeowners Association; Vice President of the Charleston County Planning Board; Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America - District Council; and Charleston Harbor Estuary Commission. Ike enjoyed traveling the world and the U.S. and playing racquetball, softball, swimming and other activities with his many friends and family. Ike leaves behind a strong family in which he instilled his high ethics and moral standards. He is loved deeply by his family and will be missed greatly by us all. Memorials may be made to Synagogue Emanu-El, 5 Windsor Dr., Charleston, SC 29407. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Mar. 20 to Mar. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Isaac Ryba

Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr Downtown Chapel.

25 Entries

Kathy Heinsohn

March 23, 2020

Dear Stuart and Lisa, I am so sorry to read of the loss of your dad, Ike. I know he'd been ill for some time. May he rest in peace and may you all be comforted by God;s generous love and peace. Hugs, Kathy Heinsohn

Debra Whitfield

March 23, 2020

Your father was a huge inspiration to my ex and I in the 90s with our biz ventures. God bless him and your family as you walk through these times and know he touched our lives and Im sure many others.

Cheryl and

March 23, 2020

May his memory always be a blessing.

Ray Huff

March 22, 2020

Ike was a good man and appreciated colleague. My thoughts go out to Kristi and the family.

Lee Pringle

March 22, 2020

I am so sorry to learn of Ike's passing today. I extend my condolences to the entire Ryba Family.

Peggy Lowe

March 22, 2020

Kristi, just saw this. My heart goes out to you!

Diana Milner

March 22, 2020

We are truly saddened to hear about the passing of Ike. Any time we would see each other, I was greeted with a smile and hug in Papiamento.
Sosegá na pas.

Milner family

Benjamin Pick

March 22, 2020

Dear Family Ryba:

We are here in Aruba thinking about you. Sadly we lost a great pioneer of our family. May his greatness live on.

Fondly,
Benjamin Pick and Family

Bill Moody

March 21, 2020

Dear Cliff and family: I was so sorry to learn this morning of the passing of Ike. Ike was a true & loyal friend and client for many years. His dedication to the Charleston area was unsurpassed and he will be truly missed. I pray that your entire family will be comforted in the knowledge that his legacy will remain forever.
The Moody Family shares in your loss.

Karl Pick

March 21, 2020

My deepest sympathy to Ike's family. May his memory be a blessing.
I grew up in Aruba with Ike and David and Benjamin , and Esther, and Regina Ryba. Ike was like our big brother. I have wonderful memories of Passover with the entire Ryba family in Aruba.

Teresa Taylor

March 21, 2020

Hello Kristi and family, Nancy and I are so sorry to hear of Ike's passing. In the pioneer days of our Johns Island neighborhood, he was our leader and the voice of wisdom, not to mention just a really wonderful, genuine man. We are moving very soon from here as well, and he will forever be a part of our memories from our cherished times on Ravens Bluff Road. Love to all.

Julie Mckissick-Mcneil

March 21, 2020

My condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Ike three years ago at synagogue Emanu-El and he made me feel very welcomed there. He will truly be missed.

Missy & Martin

March 21, 2020

Ike was a gentleman. A real gem. Memorable humor and a wealth of information.

Shari Ryba

March 21, 2020

Cliff, Ann, Lance and Lauren,
We are so deeply hurt and saddened by the loss of your dear father and grandfather. He was always so friendly to us at shul and we will miss seeing his cheerful personality.

Always here for you guys so please feel free to reach out!
Much Love,
Shari and Gary

P.S. Cliff don't let Gary's non-existence on social media give u wrong message.

Carolyn Thiedke

March 21, 2020

Hi Kristi, Our paths have not crossed for many years, but I remember you with such fondness. Please accept my warm thoughts for you in your time of loss.

Debbie Hall

March 21, 2020

Sending love to the entire Ryba family. The memory of Ikes sparkle, smile and humor are just a few of the many gifts he left us with. I will always cherish the family seders we shared and my heart breaks for you. Please know you are in my prayers and Im wishing you comfort and strength during this difficult and devastating time.

Terry sue Hudson

March 21, 2020

God's Peace and blessings of comfort. Terry sue hudson and joe O'Leary

March 21, 2020

dear kristi and family, so sorry . ike was so special. aaron & leah

Jackie Adamson

March 21, 2020

I was fortunate to serve with Ike on the board of the SC World Trade Center. He was a true gentleman and a class act. My sincere condolences to his family.

Candy Vodarick

March 21, 2020

Ike, I actually wrote a brief story years ago of my most memorable character; you were that character . You made more of an impression on me in my adult life than anyone I know I respected you as a person and as a businessman and have continued to use many things you taught me throughout the years. Even though Ed and I have not seen you in many years, I have always kept up with you through Cliff. You were loved by so many and will be greatly missed

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Marshall Miller

March 21, 2020

Kristi and family, we are so sad to hear of Ike,s passing. I met Ike on the racquetball court at the JCC in 1971 and through the years had the opportunity to enjoy his company in many ways. He was a warm and gentile man and had a very friendly personality. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest In Peace Marshall and Patty Miller

Sherry Martschink

March 21, 2020

Thank you for sharing Ike with the entire lowcountry. He gave so much of himself to benefit our several communities. His passing is a loss to more than his family. I first met Ike as a neighbor in the early to mid 1970s. Prayers for all of you.

Linda Fantuzzo

March 21, 2020

Ike, a kind and gentle man, was a good friend for many years. I will miss him.

David Artadi

March 20, 2020

On behalf of the GAO Atlanta Field Office colleagues of Stuart Ryba (Mr. Isaac Ryba's son), I would like to express our deepest condolences to Stuart and his family for their loss. We are keeping you in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Please let us know if we can help you in any way at this difficult time.

With a heavy heart,
David G. Artadi
GAO Atlanta Field Office Manager

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results