Obituary of Dennis R. Ryan

On the evening of June 13, 2023 Dennis Ryan passed away peacefully, and went to be with his Lord and Savior, after a five-year battle with cancer. He was 71 years old.

Dennis was born to Joseph and Claire Ryan in 1951 in Rome, New York. He graduated from Westmoreland School in 1969. He received his bachelor’s degree Magna Cum Laude from Brockport College. He spent his career of 46 years at the New York State School for the Deaf where he was the Recreation Therapist. He wore many hats including coach, athletic director, bus driver, lifeguard, and friend. Dennis coached various sports at NYSSD including basketball, softball, and soccer. With lots of patience, knowledge, and undying dedication, he helped many teams through the years win countless championships. In 1986, he led the girl’s softball team to win the Deaf National Championship. Just a few weeks ago, he coached the boys basketball team to their very first championship! He was so proud of his kids and how hard they worked to achieve this lofty goal. It made him so happy to see all the kid’s smiles as a result of this accomplishment. When the school was having difficulty getting bus drivers for his trips, he became one. He never wanted the kids to miss out on a single thing. He taught countless students to swim. There is no doubt to anyone that knew him that Dennis’ devotion to the students at NYSSD was unwavering. The school has decided to honor his devotion by naming the gymnasium the Dennis Ryan Court. Dennis loved the students and his coworkers from NYSSD. They were like a family to him.

Dennis loved sports including the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Wizards. He was known as “the Wiz” in his fantasy sports leagues. Dennis was number 5 in a family of 14 siblings. He hosted family picnics for twenty years.

His goal in life was to make people smile and make others feel special which he did on a daily basis. He had a wonderful sense of humor which he never lost until the day he died. He loved his family, his countless friends, Planet Fitness buddies, and a special walking group. 

Dennis had a strong faith and trust in Jesus which he lived out in every area of his life. Because of his hope and faith in Jesus, he is in heaven today. He had an opportunity to share this faith by serving in a prison ministry at the Oneida County jail for many years.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Claire Ryan, and two brothers Joseph Ryan Jr. and Thomas Ryan. He is survived by brothers Timothy Ryan of Rome, Mike Ryan of Rochester, Jim Ryan (Linda) of Clinton, John Ryan of Westmoreland, Rich Ryan of Ithaca, and Edward Ryan of Westmoreland, sisters Judy Ryan of Rome, Mary Lanigan and Kathleen Ryan of Sherrill, Patty Ward (Andy) of Whitesboro, Bonnie VanDreason (Barry) of Sherrill, sister in laws Nancy Ryan of Cornelius North Carolina, and Karen Ryan Merritt of Poland, NY and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be on Tuesday, June 20th at 6:00 at Life Church, 1110 Black River Blvd, Rome, NY 13440. Family and friends are invited to call at Life Church on Tuesday prior to the service from 3:00-6:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Life Church. The interment will take place in Rome Cemetery with the immediate family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to  Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc. 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440.

You may light a candle, send a message of sympathy, and read the obituary at www.nunnandharper.com.