Obituary of Dennis F. Ryan

Dennis F. Ryan, 72, of Syracuse (Westvale), NY, died suddenly Tuesday, July 5th. "Denny" was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He grew up on Tipp Hill and graduated from St. Patrick's School. He worked for the Post Standard and 34 years for Niagara Mohawk as a foreman for substation maintenance crews. After retiring from "NiMo" he became a part time electrician, performing work for many homeowners on the West side and making lots of friends in the process. Dennis was one of the founding fathers of the Western Onondaga Youth Soccer Association and enthusiastically coached his sons and daughter to winning seasons for many years. He was a lead advocate for the first boys' soccer teams at Westhill High School, which became a top program. Dennis was a long-time communicant of St. Patrick's Church. He will be remembered as a hard-working, sociable man who was always willing to help a neighbor or volunteer his time for others. He was proud to be from and live in Syracuse. Dennis was predeceased by his parents William "Nibsy" and Florence Ryan, and his brother Robert "Bo" Ryan. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Larkin Ryan, his sons Kevin (Debora) Ryan, Jeffrey (Carrie) Ryan, and daughter Kimberly (Chris) Urban, and grandchildren, Liam, Oscar, Finn, Tate, Trip, Amanda and Campbell. Dennis is also survived by brothers William "Nibsy" (Carolyn), Rev. Thomas, and Gary (Diane) Ryan, sister-in-law Catherine Ryan, as well as several nieces and nephews. A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday 10am at St. Patrick's Church, 216 Lowell Ave. Calling hours will be held Friday from 4-7 pm at the Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Dewitt. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick's Church Heritage Fund, 216 N. Lowell Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204, or to Frutas Scholarship Fund to assist in the education of poor Mexican children c/o St. James Church, 147 Main St., Johnson City, NY 13790.