Obituary: Richard Joseph Ryan, 79, of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT - (From B.C. Bailey Funeral Home) Richard Joseph Ryan, 79, beloved husband, father and grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on February 7th, 2021 after an eight-month battle with liver cancer.

He was born on April 17th, 1941 in New Haven, CT, to the late Joseph and Ruth (Larson) Ryan.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Ruth (Larson) Ryan, sister Alice Joann Ryan and daughter Donna Lynn Ryan. Richard is survived by his wife Nancy (Reistetter) Ryan of Wallingford, CT, son Mark Ryan and wife Jennifer Hall of Montpelier, VA, daughter Denise and husband Robert Kramer of Winter Haven, FL, daughter Karen and husband Thomas Zeman of Abilene, TX, son Paul and wife Rebecca Ryan of Cheshire, CT, and brother David and wife Marie Ryan of North Haven, CT.

He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren; Brittany and Megan Kramer; Brooke, Hunter, and Carson Zeman; Lily, and Caleb Ryan; and Bridget Ryan.

Richard was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he honorably served onboard the USS Northampton CC-1 in Aviation Electronics.

After service, he worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation before retiring after 38 years.

A lifelong self-learner, Richard insisted on living within walking distance of the public library, where he could often be found in the research section. He was also an avid gardener, growing a large vegetable garden each year.

Richard and Nancy were married in the spring of 1971 and he passed just short of his 50th wedding anniversary. Knowing her love of daisy flowers, Richard would often pick wildflowers to make her bouquets while courting.