John Ryan Jr.

John Ryan Jr., 78 departed this life suddenly yet peacefully on August 24, 2012 in Springfield, MA. Mr. Ryan was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on April 25, 1934 to the late John Ryan Sr. and Sarah (Meeks) He attended local schools in Trenton NJ. After high school, John joined the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1961 at Westover Air Force Base, Mr. Ryan continued living in Springfield, MA where he met and married Mary Owens, in 1965. He was employed as a machinist at Savage Arms for over twenty years. He later worked for the City of Springfield for the Parks Department where he retired in 1998. Mr. Ryan joined Third Baptist Church over fifty years ago. He was proud to be among the early members that worshiped in the original structure on Williams Street. He previously served on the Trustee Board and sang in the Sanctuary Choir. Mr. Ryan was a quiet and humble man who loved the Lord and his family. He loved fishing and watching baseball games- especially the Dodgers. He prided himself in being able to be there for his family –especially his two grandchildren Ajanay and Tiffany. He will be especially be missed by his daughter Renay and his son-in law Tony, whom lovingly referred to Mr. Ryan as “Pops”. Predeceased by his parents, John Ryan Sr. Sarah Baisden and step father William Baisden, he leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Mary Ryan of Springfield; daughter, Renay (Ryan) Hill and special son-in law Anthony C. Hill, grandchildren Ajanay and Tiffany Hill, sister Patricia Ryan Smith, step brother Robert (Butch) Baisden; step children; Ronald Tyndale (Diane) Celia Tyndale and her children, Alena, Jamal, Precious and Patience and Patricia Deese (Henry)and their children, Derek and Akeem; a special aunt- Ethel Hudson and cousin Sandra Macdonald (Paul) Macdonald), Pe-Te DeCuir, Grayling Wallace (Donna) and Roger L. Wallace (Jacqui) and a host of family and friends. The wake is on Thursday, August 30, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 PM at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill St., Springfield, MA. The funeral service for Mr. Ryan will be held on Friday, August 31, 2012 at Third Baptist Church, 149 Walnut St., Springfield beginning at 11:00 AM with a service at 12 Noon. Burial with full military honors will follow on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 9:00 AM in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Freedman Elementary School, School Library Fund, ATT: Dr. Gloria Williams, 90 Cherokee Drive, Springfield, MA 01109. For full details visit www.nefcc.net

John Ryan Jr.

April 25, 1934 - August 24, 2012