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Born Feb. 23, 1929, he was the son of the late Leo and Marguerite O’Keefe Ryan. He was a graduate of Roger Ludlow Jr. High and a graduate of Norwalk High School, class of 1947, where he served as class president for both schools. Baseball was his love and in 1948, he earned a tryout with the NY Giants Farm Team in Sanford, Florida.
In 1999, he was honored by the Norwalk Old Timers. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. He served in the 963rd Field Battalion of the National Guard from 1948 to 1950, when his unit was mobilized. He served during the Korean War in Augsburg, Germany, as part of the 43rd Division Occupation Force. As a staff sergeant, he was on active duty until his discharge in 1952.
He was a sales representative for Sunshine Biscuits for 16 years and Keebler Company for 21 years until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, Msgr Thomas Finn Council #46, Norwalk Senior Center, NHS Alumni Association, and was a parishioner of St. Matthews Church and New Horizon Seniors.
In addition to his wife of 65 years, Josephine (Jo) Mariani Ryan, he is survived by his five children, Janis and Peter Solheim of Newtown, Connecticut; Judy and Jeff Belorit of Newtown, Connecticut; Robin and Biff Bartoli of Danbury, Connecticut; Robert, Jr. of Monroe, Connecticut; and Jennifer and Steve Baranello of Monroe, Connecticut; 12 grandchildren; a step-granddaughter; two great-grandsons; a sister of Norwalk; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by three brothers.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 5-8 p.m. at Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk. A mass of Christian burial will be offered Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Ave., Norwalk.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association or Norwalk High School Class of 1947 Scholarship Fund c/o Office of Comptroller, Sal Iannacone, City of Norwalk, 135 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.
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