Ryan Nelson Darrow

Ryan Nelson Darrow
formerly of Endicott
Ryan Nelson Darrow, 25, formerly of Endicott, New York, died unexpectedly on September 11, 2008. A memorial service will be held Friday, September 19, 2008, between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at Post 82, 1305 Riverview Drive, Endicott, N.Y. 13760 near Union-Endicott High School. Ryan was born in Johnson City, New York on August 2nd, 1983 to Raelene and Kevin Darrow. Ryan was attending University of Phoenix and he attended Union-Endicott High School and graduated from the New York State Challenge Program sponsored by the New York National Guard, through which he was a service volunteer at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks. He went on to serve his country in the United States Army, in an elite unit Infantry, 1-36, where he was stationed in Giessen, Germany and deployed to Iraq in 2003. Ryan received several honors, awards and distinctions including the Combat Infantryman Badge; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Presidential Unit Citation (Army); National Defense Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; and Overseas Service Ribbon. He also served in the Army Reserves in Durham, North Carolina following his active duty service. Ryan was a loving husband, married to Sheila McClure Darrow and a devoted father to their two sons, Colin Orion, 3, and Liam Kyle, 2. He is also survived by his mother, Raelene Darrow and John Yoest; his father, Kevin and wife, Genevieve Darrow; and his siblings, Kyle and Nichole Darrow and Jessica and Shannon Smith; his grandparents, David and Connie Darrow, Raymond and Antoinette Cole (who after an extended illness passed away simultaneously on 9/14 during Ryan's funeral to join Ryan with the Lord), Leo F. MacDonald and wife, Sandra; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Judy McClure; close friend and mentor, Sergeant Dan Magan; and his many uncles, aunts, cousins, and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Todd Cole, Veronica MacDonald; and his close friend and fellow serviceman, Specialist James Hergott. Ryan will be fondly remembered for his generous nature, his contagious laughter, and his strength and courage. He was an avid animal lover, and will be missed by his companions Koolio and Romeo, and new friend, a baby bull named George. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a custodial account being established for Ryan's children, Colin and Liam Darrow at any branch of the Coastal Federal Credit Union, PO # 58429, Raleigh, N.C. 27658. Special thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Creech for their friendship and assistance, and also to Major Isabel R. Smith for her assistance to the family and her role in helping Ryan gain entry into the Challenge Program and watchful eye throughout his ensuing military career. Arrangements by Bryan Lee Funeral Home, 1220 Benson Road, Garner, N.C. 27529. Condolences may be made online at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.