Orchardist, cider-maker, sportsman
Phil Rymsha in his orchard. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Philip J. Rymsha, 64, of Harvard, died unexpectedly Tuesday, April 23.
Phil was born in Cambridge, Sept. 18, 1948, son of the late Michael and Hedwig Rymsha. He grew up in Wayland. After graduating from Wayland High School, class of 1966, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Western New England College. For many years, Phil worked at Ft. Devens as a civil engineer. In town, Phil was well-known for Phil’s U Pick Apple Orchard, the orchard that he owned and operated for 32 years. Many people looked forward to his hand-pressed cider each fall.
Phil was a member of Mass Audubon and Holy Trinity Parish in Harvard. He was an avid windsurfer in the summer, and winter found him snowboarding. He taught snowboarding at Stratton Mountain in Vermont.
Phil is survived by his wife of 17 years Barbara (Patient) Rymsha of Harvard, a sister Peggy and her husband Frank D. Cafarella of Marion, and a twin brother Fred and his wife Janet Rymsha of Santa Cruz, Ca; seven nieces and nephews and nine great-nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass was held Saturday, April 27, at Holy Trinity Parish, followed by burial at North Cemetery in Wayland. Badger Funeral Home in Littleton is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made in his memory to One Fund Boston, onefundboston.org.
