John Patrick “Skip” Ryan, Jr., 70, of Nashua, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 4, 2018 at Care One of Lexington, MA, after a period of declining health with his loving family by side.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on February 22, 1948, he was a son of the late John Patrick and Sue (Page) Ryan. Members of his family include his wife of 49 years, Cheryl A. (Welch) Ryan of Nashua, whom he married on July 12, 1969 at St. Catherine’s Church in Somerville, MA; his son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Kerrie A. Ryan of Hull, MA; his daughter, Kelly A. Ryan of Nashua; his grandchildren, Caitlin, Fallon, twins Avery and Faith, and Rory; and predeceased by a granddaughter, Emma in October 2016; his siblings, Suzanne Marks of Somerville, MA, Linda Taylor of Billerica, MA, Angel Ryan of Somerville, MA Richard Ryan of Hudson, MA, Patricia Jacome of Revere, MA and Sharon Ryan of Barrington, NH; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.
On March 30, 1966, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was a 19 year- old Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He served with the Leathernecks on a little piece of hell called ConThien (“Hill of Angels”) Quang Tri Province, RVN. Mr. Ryan was seriously wounded defending his fellow Marines and awarded the Purple Heart.
John would struggle with these injuries for the rest of his days and succumb to them over 50 years later. Despite these limitations, like any Marine, he persevered. He married the love of his life and raised a wonderful family that he was very proud of. He was funny, kind, tough, opinionated, loyal and someone you could really talk to about anything. John treasured spending time with his grandchildren, playing catch and sharing hugs. He enjoyed reading and considered himself a self-taught expert of American history and the history of the Marine Corps.
He loved everything about Boston, especially the history and sports teams. A passionate Boston Sports enthusiast, he was quick too remind everyone that Boston didn’t always win championships every year. His only regret with the Red Sox was that his father wasn’t alive to see them finally win the World Series. He also, loved high school sports and continued to follow them long after his children graduated. A devoted fan to any team his children or grandchildren played on, John supported them any way he could. Even when he couldn’t make it because of his condition, it seemed like he was always there.
John was a member of several veteran’s organizations including the Old Veterans of Foreign Wars Pointer Post of Somerville, MA and the Disabled American Veterans. He fought for change in the Veterans Administration and believed it was heading in the right direction. He always had a kind and generous heart and was faithful to his family, his Corps, and his Lord. His presence will be missed. May he forever rest in peace. SEMPER FIDELIS.
A graveside service with full Marine Corps honors will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Route 3 in Boscawen, Wednesday, December 12th at 11:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. Those wishing to be part of the funeral procession are asked to gather at the Farwell Funeral Home, 18 Lock St., Nashua at 9:30 a.m. Donations may be made in his memory to The Emma Ryan Memorial Fund, c/o Jinnie Walsh, Hingham Savings Bank, 401 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA 02045. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
