Obituary for Harry Ryan
Harry Joseph Ryan, 86, passed away on January 29, 2024, in Ashburn, VA. Born on July 11, 1937, in Ardmore, PA, Harry grew up on the family farm in Albia, Iowa. He attended not one but three one-room schoolhouses in rural Iowa before graduating as the valedictorian of St. Patrick's Catholic High School in Georgetown, Iowa. Harry liked to tell that story and then add that there were only three students in the whole class. Harry went on to earn a BS in Economics from the University of Notre Dame in 1959, where he was enrolled in the U.S. Navy ROTC and also worked as a barber to help pay for his education.
After graduation, Harry was commissioned as an Ensign and served on active duty with the Navy until 1961. After his military service, he moved to Philadelphia to begin his career. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sandra Rieger, during a ski club trip. Harry and Sandy married in 1963 and remained inseparable until Sandy’s death in August 2023.
Harry, Sandy, and their three sons lived in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, where Harry worked for Merck, before relocating to Simsbury, CT, in 1970. Harry later became a Realtor, helping numerous people in the Farmington Valley find their first or forever homes. Although he left Iowa as a young man, Harry never lost his love for farm life. He was most content mowing the “back 40” on his property in West Simsbury - often while sneaking a smoke when he thought Sandy was not looking (she always was). Known for his legendary tinkering skills, Harry could fix just about anything given the right amount of duct tape. Harry also liked to take his sons camping, instilling in them a love of the outdoors and the Boy Scouts at an early age. Harry was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather to his family, and a great friend to all who knew him.
Harry is survived by his sons: R. Kenneth Ryan (Tammy) of Potomac Falls, Virginia; Michael Ryan (Heather) of West Simsbury; and John Ryan (Blake) of Los Angeles, California. His sons and their spouses will miss his stories, kindness, sense of humor, and most of all his steadfast love of family. He was a cherished Gramps to his six grandchildren: Patrick (Shannon), Kevin (Alli), Collin, Rebecca, Christopher, and Nicholas Ryan. Harry leaves them with memories of fishing and camping trips; mailing them clipped comics, newspaper articles, and two-dollar bills; and always letting them drive the tractor. Harry is also survived by his siblings: Chris Ryan of California, Suzanne Ryan of Illinois, Eleanor Neubauer of Alaska, and Jim (Gail) Ryan of Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.
Harry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandy, as well as his parents, Frank and Kati Ryan; four brothers, Frank, Richard, Daniel, and David Ryan; and sister-in-law Betty Lou Summers.
Services for Harry will include calling hours at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Friday, March 1st, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Burial will be private. Contributions in Harry's memory can be made to the Ashby Ponds Staff Appreciation Fund, attn. Philanthropy Manager, 21170 Ashby Ponds Blvd, in Ashburn, VA 20147. The family is forever grateful for the compassionate care and friendship that Harry found at Ashby Ponds. Please visit Harry’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
After graduation, Harry was commissioned as an Ensign and served on active duty with the Navy until 1961. After his military service, he moved to Philadelphia to begin his career. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sandra Rieger, during a ski club trip. Harry and Sandy married in 1963 and remained inseparable until Sandy’s death in August 2023.
Harry, Sandy, and their three sons lived in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, where Harry worked for Merck, before relocating to Simsbury, CT, in 1970. Harry later became a Realtor, helping numerous people in the Farmington Valley find their first or forever homes. Although he left Iowa as a young man, Harry never lost his love for farm life. He was most content mowing the “back 40” on his property in West Simsbury - often while sneaking a smoke when he thought Sandy was not looking (she always was). Known for his legendary tinkering skills, Harry could fix just about anything given the right amount of duct tape. Harry also liked to take his sons camping, instilling in them a love of the outdoors and the Boy Scouts at an early age. Harry was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather to his family, and a great friend to all who knew him.
Harry is survived by his sons: R. Kenneth Ryan (Tammy) of Potomac Falls, Virginia; Michael Ryan (Heather) of West Simsbury; and John Ryan (Blake) of Los Angeles, California. His sons and their spouses will miss his stories, kindness, sense of humor, and most of all his steadfast love of family. He was a cherished Gramps to his six grandchildren: Patrick (Shannon), Kevin (Alli), Collin, Rebecca, Christopher, and Nicholas Ryan. Harry leaves them with memories of fishing and camping trips; mailing them clipped comics, newspaper articles, and two-dollar bills; and always letting them drive the tractor. Harry is also survived by his siblings: Chris Ryan of California, Suzanne Ryan of Illinois, Eleanor Neubauer of Alaska, and Jim (Gail) Ryan of Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.
Harry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandy, as well as his parents, Frank and Kati Ryan; four brothers, Frank, Richard, Daniel, and David Ryan; and sister-in-law Betty Lou Summers.
Services for Harry will include calling hours at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Friday, March 1st, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Burial will be private. Contributions in Harry's memory can be made to the Ashby Ponds Staff Appreciation Fund, attn. Philanthropy Manager, 21170 Ashby Ponds Blvd, in Ashburn, VA 20147. The family is forever grateful for the compassionate care and friendship that Harry found at Ashby Ponds. Please visit Harry’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com