LT. RICHARD C. RYAN, JR
July 12, 1963 — December 22, 2012
LT. RICHARD C. RYAN, JR
49, passed away after a courageous five-year battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family, on December 22, 2012. He was the devoted husband of Magdalena "Mag "(Patyna) Ryan for 19 years. Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of Richard C. Ryan, Sr. and Catherine (Gill) Ryan, of Pawtucket. Rich was a 1985 graduate of the University of Rhode Island and was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity. He served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army from 1985-1990. Rich was very proud of his service as an Airborne Ranger assigned to the 6/502nd INF ( Berlin Brigade ) in Berlin, Germany where he served as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader and Battalion staff officer. Rich was present for the historic fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Rich held the rank of Lieutenant with the Rhode Island State Police, and served the Division proudly and honorably for 22 years. During his career, he was awarded numerous commendations for meritorious service. In 1995 he was presented with the Division's highest honor, the Division Service Ribbon, for heroism and bravery, after he apprehended the suspect in the shooting of a fellow state trooper on Route 95 in Hope Valley. During his career, he served in the uniform division, detective division, as a range officer and a member of the tactical team. He was assigned to each of the five barracks, as well as the Block Island detail, over the span of his career. He was a highly respected and committed member of the State Police. An avid runner, Rich competed in 10 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, the Berlin Marathon and the Ocean State Marathon. A dedicated family man, Rich was the beloved father of Sara Elizabeth and Matthew Joseph, of Narragansett. He was the brother of Colleen Kerr, and her husband Steve, of Richmond, and Shannon McLaughlin, and her husband Scott, of Seekonk. He was the son-in-law of Jozef and Krystyna Patyna of Providence and the brother-in-law of Shem Patyna, and his wife, Susan, of Encinitas, California. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Rich truly cherished spending time with his wife and children, loved his job, and, was proud to call Narragansett his home. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, December 28th at 10am in St. Mary's, Star of the Sea Church, 864 Pt. Judith Road, Narragansett and may call at the Nardolillo Funeral Home SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Rd., ( RT 1A ) Narragansett on Thursday from 4-8pm. Interment, with military honors, will take place in the R.I. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the American Cancer Association, 931 Jefferson Blvd, Suite # 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.
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