William Edward Ryan

William Edward Ryan (Bill), devoted husband of Joan and beloved father to William, Jr., James, Kenneth and Thomas, has transitioned to our Lord’s leadership team effective August 24, 2016. There he will continue shining his light of integrity and positive attitude upon his family, friends, colleagues and compatriots in service to the Almighty.

Bill was born in Utica, NY on September 9, 1929 to the late Clarence and Gertrude Kennerknecht Ryan. His character was developed on the hardscrabble streets of Utica, NY where he attended St. Francis De Sales High School and served as the senior class President. After high school, he served our nation as a communications specialist in the United States Air Force. Following assignments in the U.S., Japan and Iceland, he returned to Utica to marry the love of his life, Joan Veronica (Siegwart) Ryan on September 10, 1955.

His marriage to Joan was one of love, devotion and dedication to his four boys. From kindergarten through college, through baseball, tree forts, and lawn darts, Bill always provided the boy’s wise counsel and an unconditional love that saw these gentlemen grow and prosper.

Bill worked for Pitney Bowes, Inc. for over 36 years, starting as a customer service representative in Upstate New York. After moving to the sales organization in 1963, he rose in the ranks to achieve success for the sales teams he managed in Syracuse NY, Providence RI and Trumbull CT. Bill retired in 1990 as Vice President and General Manager of the Pitney Bowes Copier Division. Thereafter, he focused on new passions that included a small business venture, business consulting, and quality time with his wife and family.

Bill joins his siblings in service to the Lord. He is preceded by his sisters, Catherine Irene (Ryan) Darby, and Elizabeth Jane (Ryan) Hodge; and by his brothers Clarence James Ryan, Donald Francis Ryan, and Richard Thomas Ryan. He also joins his surrogate father and fellow Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Gustav Siegwart. Together they watch over and continue to mentor William’s extended family that includes William and Anne (Maloney) Ryan, James and Mary Anne (Zdinak) Ryan, Kenneth and Kathleen (Bulman) Ryan, and Thomas and Robin (Mead) Ryan. Bill also serves as Guardian Angel over his beloved grandchildren: Callie Rose, Connor William, Sarah Elizabeth, Kyle Thomas, Molly Madeleine, Patrick Michael, and Jeffrey Xavier.

Visitation and a celebration of his life is scheduled for September 2nd, from 4-8 PM at Spadaccino and Leo P.Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home in Monroe, CT. A Catholic Mass and Funeral will be held on September 3rd, 11:00 AM at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Trumbull, CT. His internment will be at 10 AM on September 10th at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Utica (Yorkville), NY. A memorial mass will follow at 12 noon at St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s Church in Utica, NY.

The Ryan family gratefully acknowledges the care and support provided by Masonicare of Newtown, CT. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in honor of William E. Ryan to the Masonicare Hospice or Catholic Charities of Fairfield County. Online condolences may be made at www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com