Leonard P. Ryan Sr.

Leonard P. Ryan, Sr., age 86, passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2012 after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his wonderful wife, Shirley in 1994, and his most special friend, Mary Fox in 2010. His parents were the late Daniel and Mary Ryan who emigrated from Galway and Kinvara Ireland early in the 20th century.

Len was a lifelong Lynn resident, graduating from Lynn English High in 1943. He proudly served in the US Navy from 1943-1946 in the Sea Bees, mainly stationed in Guam. After the war, he was attached to the USS Proteus, an experience he talked about often. He was a proud Teamster of Local #42, working for Rains Express starting in 1948 and then with Beacon Fast Freight from 1960-1985. Dad enjoyed many wonderful and healthy years of retirement with his family, where he continued to help people in many different ways. He moved to Brooksby Village in 2006, where he sharpened his pool game and always enjoyed meeting folks and listening to the stories of their life’s accomplishments.

Lenny was a great husband, a wonderful father, a loving grandfather and caring uncle throughout his life. He will be incredibly missed by so many family and friends, whose lives he touched and helped. He was a man who would always be there for you, would never judge you, and never expected anything in return. He truly walked the path of God.

Lenny was genuinely one of the “Greatest Generation.” Growing up in the Depression and serving in World War II, he knew firsthand the challenges we all face at times and never forgot the “little guy” or those in need. He knew that any of us can sometimes find ourselves in a tough spot and need the help and support of others. He was also an outspoken environmentalist and conservationist. He wanted us all to help preserve the beauty and health of our world for future generations.

Lenny leaves behind a family that will greatly miss his love and guidance including his sons, Leonard Jr. and his wife Nancy, William and his wife Lori, and Robert and his wife Jennifer; his six grandchildren, Jennifer and her fiancé Andy, Bethany and her husband Andrew, Gabrielle, Daniel, William, and Emelinda. He will be missed by many family members including Lisa Ryan, Kelly Ryan and Sandra Schrieffer. The Ryan clan in New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan, California and Galway, Ireland will always keep him in their thoughts and memories.

Dad was a true Irishman in his heart and mind, always reminding us of our shared history, and very proud of our heritage. He was one of twelve children and is survived by his younger sister, Louise Boisselle. He was predeceased by sisters, Helen, Dorothy, Eileen, Kathleen, Rosaleen and Ruth; and brothers, Daniel, Patrick, Arthur and Eammon.

Lenny’s Funeral will be held from the CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St. Lynn on Thursday at 9:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass in Saint Pius V Church at 10:30AM. Relatives and friends invited. Interment Saint Joseph’s Cemetery. Visiting Hours Wednesday 4-9PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lenny’s memory may be sent to the Sierra Club, 85 Second St. 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105.