Edwin E. Rydbom, 76, of 10403 Franklin Pike, Meadville, died Sunday, May 11, 2008, at Meadville Medical Center.

He was born July 2, 1931, in Wishaw, the only son of the late Carl Edwin and Nora Secrest Rydbom. He married Bernice I. Baranoski Feb. 23, 1952.

He was a 1949 graduate of Reynoldsville High School. He retired as a freight conductor with Conrail, after 41 years of service.

He was a member of St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church. He was an avid gardener, hunter and bowler, achieving an American Bowling Conference 300 game at the age of 70. He was a member of Meadville Eagles Aerie 429, the Plaza Bowling Senior League and the United Transportation Union.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, his survivors, in addition to his wife of 56 years, include three sons, David Rydbom and his wife, Deborah, Mark Rydbom and Paul Rydbom, all of Meadville; three grandchildren, Jennifer Bradley, Valerie Simonette and Brian Rydbom; and three great-grandchildren, Brandon Simonette, Allison Simonette and Madison Bradley. Also surviving are two sisters, Frances Colwell of Meadville and Wilma Garvey of Seneca.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Louise Robertson, Helen Hallsten, Evelyn Buhite, June Horner and Daneen Peirce.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Roofner-Collins Funeral Home Inc., 544 Chestnut St., Meadville. Vigil prayer service will be conducted at 3:45 Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Agatha Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville, with Father Mark O’Hern of St. Brigid Church as celebrant.

Burial will be in St. Brigid Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to St. Agatha Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville, Pa. 16335; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.