Ryan Patrick Sandman

Ryan Patrick Sandman passed away in Dallas, Texas on December 7, 2023, leaving behind two children and a sea of broken hearts. He is the first son of Robert and Susan, and eldest brother to Bobby (Jen), Patrick (Emily), and Kate Prine (Michael).

Ryan grew up on Lake Lenape and was child of the water. His father spent countless hours pulling him and his friends on kneeboards, skis, and tubes. The neighborhood kids did endless flips and jumps off the dock with Ryan serving as the local ringleader. The Sandman boys had numerous lake-side bonfires and swim parties.

Ryan attended St. Vincent de Paul grade school for nine-years, where he made close friends, learned how to tie a tie, and developed a life-long passion for music. He started a band with his best friends Pete Schwenker and Josh Jayne. They had endless “jam sessions” in garages and backyards across Mays Landing.

From a young age, Ryan displayed charisma and wit that truly dazzled. He acted out movie scenes and standup comedy bits. He drove conversations among children and adults alike. He could imitate Tony Soprano, predict an upcoming plot twist on a new series, and tell you every reason why Ringo was the worst Beatle. He would even go as far as to hire Charlie Sheen to wish his youngest brother Patrick a happy birthday. His father—like most people who interacted with Ryan— would often say, “Ryan should be a comedian.”

He attended Holy Spirit High School, where his focus on surfing and music trumped everything else. In the summers, he joined the Stone Harbor beach patrol, blossoming with sun-kissed hair and a toned swimmer’s physique. He met other great friends from the shore: Ron, Sal, Angelo and Jeremy, to name a few.

In the prime of his life, Ryan looked like and played like a leading man. He took his passion for music and art to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Despite all of exuberance of his youth and the deep love and support of his family, Ryan took on new struggles that he would battle for nearly twenty years.

But battle Ryan did.

For years, he worked at sober treatment facilities and focused on his mental health. His parents supported him through various programs and initiatives. They flew across the country at a moment’s notice. His beloved sister spent countless hours with her oldest brother, moonlighting as a counselor and bonding over their love of standup comedy and scary movies.

Ryan had a special love for all of his nieces and nephews. He was always the favorite uncle—particularly to Zach Sandman—who he used to piggy-back around the house while humming the theme-song from Indiana Jones (the song from the first three, not the later films, as Ryan would say, “Spielberg gave up on those”). He also had a true bond with his first niece, Stella (age 5), who he would FaceTime regularly and sing, “I’m Your Fella Baby Stella.”

Ryan loved his many cousins and aunts and uncles too. They share so many memories down the shore from Nanny waffles (and purple popsicles) to unforgettable parties at the Ranch.

Even in his most challenging of days, Ryan’s star burned bright. He wrote music and shared his songs for friends and family. One song of note he wrote for his Italian mother. Strumming his acoustic, he echoed love and admiration for the woman that gave him everything. But, in typical Ryan fashion, the song blended hilarious lyrics that stated his mom “retired, somehow not fired.” He really could have been a comedian.

Far beyond his wit and humor, Ryan’s legacy is that of a loving father, where he remained at his absolute best. He is survived by his son and best friend Fisher Reed (9) and daughter and sweetheart Riley (2). He cloaked his children with love and affection. He routinely told people how much he loved being a father and how proud he was of them. They too share his passion for music and the water.

The family requests that everyone who knew Ryan throw on a song by Primus or Phish and say a prayer for him and the loving children he leaves behind. Please also convey love to Jourdan Sandman whose kindness and love cannot be overstated as well to his “Texas family” Kathy Dearmond, Tim and Chris Wheeler. Tiff Becker was another important person to Ryan, and their daughter Riley carries his larger-than-life personality and deep love for Fisher Sandman.

A memorial service will be held at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home at 10501 Garland Road, Dallas Texas 75218 on March 2, 2024 at 10 am.