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Kristy Ryan Obituary
It was not that Kristy Irvine Ryan was bossy, so much as irresistible. In college, if a friend was homesick, Ms. Ryan would drag him out for a beer. If someone was tired on a Sunday morning, it was Ms. Ryan who persuaded her to go to church.
When her best friend, Meredith O'Neill, said she wanted to get pregnant as soon as she was married, Ms. Ryan ordered her to wait until next June, when she and her husband, Brendan Ryan, were planning to conceive.
"She said she could see the two of us sitting by the pool, in our ninth month, when you're allowed to have a glass of wine," Ms. O'Neill said.
June would have been one year after the Ryan's wedding, which came after years of courtship.
"Are you sure you're going to go through with this?" the men on Ms. Ryan's trading desk at Sandler O'Neill & Partners would tease when her future husband called. "Dead man walking," they would say jokingly, knowing how tough Ms. Ryan, 30, could be.
There was never a question that the two, who grew up in Huntington Bay, N.Y., would be married, even though Ms. Ryan had left the area for college. Right after graduation, she informed her friends. "But you're not even dating Brendan Ryan," Ms. O'Neill pointed out.
The two of them went to Europe for the summer. When they returned, Ms. O'Neill recalled, there was Mr. Ryan at the airport, flowers in hand.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Matt ONeill
September 11, 2024
Kristy was one of the kindest, sweetest people I had ever known. Yes, she was fiesty during the trading day, but man, her charm took over anything else.
Matt ONeill
September 12, 2023
When I think about Kristy and the times I got to be in her presence, I can't not smile. Always a bright light.
Chrystal Smith
September 11, 2023
Beloved Kristy... I have shared your story and many others that lost their Precious Lives for 22 years of my 24 years as a teacher in Van Nuys, CA...It continues to break my heart as I think of the "Promise" that your beautiful smile reflected in your previous photos...Each of my students over the years, have felt the pain and loss that your Beloved family members shared from your absence in their lives... Particulary, your Beloved and talented sister, Kerry... She gave us hope today as we read of her moving forward to paint in honor of you with bravery and strength... I pray that your Beloved family will continue to find strength and peace... God Bless Your Soul, and the Irvine-Ryan Family during this difficult time of loss, memories, and grief...
Forever in Our Hearts,
Ms. Smith...
Kendall B
September 11, 2023
Fellow Alpha Phi sister your family & you are in my prayers. 22 years later and you are not forgotten.
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Kristin T.
September 11, 2023
I miss you, I think about you and I wish you were still here. I pray to you when I need strength & guidance. I know you are watching over me.
Brad Hennegan
September 11, 2021
Remembered Always.
September 11, 2018
Prayers for you and your lovely family(s) on this solemn day, Kristi
September 12, 2016
remembered. May God bless your family and friends with peace
Matt O'Neill
September 10, 2016
Beautiful, inside and out. I called Kristy my little sister. Kristy will always hold a special place in my heart. She was so lucky to have worked with Bruce and Stacey. She fit right in with them. I still am in awe of what they had together.
September 11, 2015
Peace with you and your family today.
Barbara Bertuccio '87
(friend of Kerry)
Fran Gundermann- Fusaro
September 11, 2015
Thinking of you today.
September 11, 2015
Thinking of you today. You were always smiling in Dayton, where I met you.
d irvine
September 13, 2014
kristy I don t know if Irvine was a middle name or maiden name but I only wish there could be a connection It was my maiden name I pray for you soul love I will never forget that day
Amy Read
September 12, 2014
Your Alpha Phi sisters from UD love you and think of your smile all the time. God bless.
September 12, 2014
God Bless you and your family - today and always
Diane DEMORRO (Irvine)
September 11, 2014
to you kristy Irvine ryan
Jen
September 11, 2014
AOE
KJ
September 11, 2014
I got your name on a card from my teacher to pray for you and your family today... I hope your family will find comfort in knowing that someone is still praying for you
Katlyn Stiles
September 11, 2014
Kristy sounded like a really kind, generous lady i didnt know kristy personaly but i know she will be missed by her husband, family, and friends! You will be missed.
Rob
September 11, 2014
Miss your smile..
Jeff
September 11, 2014
Though we never met, I knew how special you were and how much you meant to so many people, especially Brendan. You are missed and thought of everyday. God bless
Amy Read
September 12, 2013
All your Alpha Phi sisters miss and love you! Your smile and laughter will live in our hearts. Lovely girl of Alpha Phi, that is you!
Kristin
September 11, 2013
Kristy, I miss you so much. I just wish you were here
Julian Flores
September 11, 2013
Kristy, As always remembering you today and all your co-workers at Sandler! I remember your fantastic smile and how you and Stacey would always have the best times at STANY. I have a mass for you, Johnny Farrell, and Stacey McGowan said each year. You three are always in my thoughts.
Chris Alnwick
September 11, 2013
Remembering you today and every other day.
Matt O'Neill
September 10, 2013
I will always remember Kristy. She was always happy and up tempo, brightened up everyone's day.
August 10, 2013
Your memorial card is visible everyday. I pray for you and the souls you traveled with that day. I know you are well, and helping others still. God Bless you and your family.
Eliot
July 3, 2013
I will never forget you Kristy, as long as I live. Your memory will live on forever.
Tracey Young
September 12, 2012
Kristy: Your heart, your light and your smile are still with us. Our daughter who was only 5, yet she still remembers you because you were that type of person. We sat and talked about you last night with smiles and tears. The candle we lit for you last night in our window still burns. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family will continue. Tracey, Jeff and Jordan Young
Erin Hillerman
September 12, 2012
My prayers and thoughts go out to Kristy's family. I can't imagine someone so beautiful being taken away at such a young age. God bless.<3
UD 94
September 11, 2012
On my mind...God bless
September 11, 2012
You, and all the others, will never be forgotten. God Bless...
Chris Alnwick
September 11, 2012
11 years gone and not a day goes by where you are not missed by everyone who knew you. You were a truly special person and I was lucky to know you.
Amy Read
September 10, 2012
Lots of Kristy's Alpha Phi sisters from UD have been sharing our love of her. We miss her so much.
Greg
April 4, 2012
God bless you, Kristy. You are truly loved and missed by so many here on earth. Please help us along the way.
Janice Eckerle-Moran
September 13, 2011
I remember her and her family at The Huntington Bay Club. Watching she and her sisters each summer, so much love between them.So full of life and joy. A beautiful life cut short oh so early. God Bless the Irvine and Ryan families.
September 13, 2011
I was friends with Kristy's sister Michelle. Grew up with them and knew Kristy when we were teenagers. She was a pure angel, that's the best way to describe her. God bless her and her family.
Kathy Berlinger (formerly Casey)
September 12, 2011
Beautiful Kristy...Always with a smile, genuine, caring, happy with herself and happy for others. These are the things that I remember about her. A shining soul!
Brad Hennegan
September 11, 2011
We will never forget your sense of humor or your smile!
Mike Rocchio
September 11, 2011
Kristy I knew you so long ago and will never forget you or your family may you be with god.
UD 94
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you. God bless.
Anonymous
September 11, 2011
10 years ago, I was moved so much by what I learned about Kristy and her secret smiles that I decided to name my next girl after her and raise my little Kristy to be like her. I will never forget about Kristy's goodness as I will never forget about her killers' evil. My little Kristy is a few months shy of her 10th birthday, and her looks and manners are very similar to your Kristy. Kristy Irvine Ryan and her loved ones will always be in our hearts.
Your neice
September 11, 2011
Dear Kristy,
I love you so much! You will never be forgotten! You are the best Aunt ever! I miss you a lot! hugs and kisses to you!
Libby Ellwood-Hall
September 11, 2011
God Bless You Kristy. I remember your infectious smile from your porch on Keifaber Street at UD. Thank you for sharing your life, your love and your love story.
Kevin Polay
September 11, 2011
I'lll never forget how you expressed such absolute faith in me when most others had none and gave me the courage to have faith in myself and pursue my dream.
Matt O'Neill
September 9, 2011
Kristy was so beautiful, inside and out. She called me Mr. O'Neill, just to tease me. I was 9 or 10 years older than she. I got to know Kristy when she worked at Sandler. She was a bright light. I will always remember her. I used to call her my little sister...
Leslie Bryan
July 15, 2011
I think of you all the time, my friend. Fond memories always. xox
May 24, 2011
Happy 40th Kristy! Love and miss you!
Carolyn Petrillo-O'Brien
September 12, 2010
Dear Kristy,
I said a prayer for you today and for your family. So sorry you were taken before your time.
brad hennegan
September 12, 2010
We will never forget.
UD 94
September 11, 2010
Was talking about you today. Still in our thoughts
Matt
August 3, 2010
So I was out walking last night and looked up at the stars and could not help but think about you and Stacy. I'll always remember you.
UD '94
September 11, 2009
Still thinking of you and will never forget.
September 10, 2009
Eliot
July 17, 2009
still thinking of you...
UD '94
September 11, 2008
My thoughts are with you...
Jeannie Davis
September 11, 2008
On this day, we think of you and yours. May God keep your family and assure them that... we will never forget.
Brad Hennegan
September 11, 2008
We had lots of laughs together. Thinking of you and your family.
Denise Anderson
September 11, 2008
Kristy was one of the first people I met at the University of Dayton. She was sweet, funny, kind and warm-hearted. Although we weren't "close" at UD, we frequently chatted when we ran into each other on campus. She was the kind of person you always felt happy to be around.
My son is wearing an awareness ribbon over his heart today in her memory ~ and all the others who lost their lives 7 years ago today. They will never be forgotten.
a. nonymous
January 1, 2008
i was so touched yesterday at the benefit concert for the kristy's smile charity. although I don't remember if i have ever met kristy, I do know that my brothers & cousins were all friends with her, brendan & the bogmen through st. anthony's, & continue to have a strong bond although she is gone. the concert brought so many people together, & everyone was there for her. she is loved.
Kerry Abernethy
November 23, 2007
Brendan,
It has been years since I've seen you. Probably a Bogman concert somewhere. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, Kristy and your families. I was looking up Kristy's Secret Smiles to make a donation and I came across this page. I don't know if you ever knew this but Kristy was the first person I met at St. Anthony's on our first day of HS. We sat across from eachother in Mr. Nappi's homeroom. She made me feel so comfortable being that I knew no one. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Kerry Johnson-Abernethy SAHS '89
Jen Chapin
September 27, 2007
There are so many lovely tributes here, but it needs to be said: Kristy was funny! I always remember when we were all crazy dancing at Brian and Nancy Flynn's wedding (a few weeks after her own to Brendan) and Kristy came up to me, completely deadpan, and said: "Jen, I didn't know your husband was a robot" for that's how he was moving. Of course so many could tell much funnier stories.
It has been said that Kristy had incredible poise and grace. When I called her a few days after the death of her mom Toni to cancer, Kristy wasted no time in comforting me, as though that was her role. She told me of how Toni was peaceful and got to say her goodbyes to all her daughters. Kristy was a queen.
Chris Alnwick
September 11, 2007
As always, Kristy is in my thoughts. She will never be forgotten.
September 11, 2007
Thinking of you...
UD '94
Brad Hennegan
September 11, 2007
Thinking of my friend.
kristine
May 1, 2007
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
February 27, 2007
In memory....
Joseph Labriola
November 24, 2006
Kristy use to babysit me at the Bay Club as a little kid. I don't remember a lot, but when I see her face in pictures it all comes back. Kristy may not be here physically, but I know she's with us in our hearts... and that's forever. She gives me inspiration evey morning when I go to work at Cantor Fitzgerald. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kristy's husband, friends, and family.
-Joe Labriola
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
John Donahue
September 19, 2006
Brendon, I met you several times when you came up to visit Billy at BC. In a roundabout way on the net, I learned of your tremendous loss a year ago. Up until that point, I didn't know anyone personally affected by the occurances on 9/11/01. While doubt I ever met Kristy at BC (though I might have), I want you to know that I remember you--and will always-- when I reflect upon the this monumental human event. My heart, prayers and hope are with you and all your loved ones.
Stacey Schoeps Burnett
September 19, 2006
As another anniversary of 9/11 has passed, I want to let the Irvine family know that I think of you often, and will always cherish my memories growing up with Kristy, Michelle and the rest of the Irvine girls. My thoughts are always with you.
September 11, 2006
Thinking of you today and everyday. God Bless you and the souls that are with you. Five years and not a day goes by, without seeing your smiling face.
RA 9/11/06
Chris Smith
September 11, 2006
Missing you as always cuz. I love you.
September 10, 2006
God bless you...I hardly knew you, but I will never forget you.
UD '94
Anne Casey
September 10, 2006
I am a childhood friend of Kristy's sister, Michelle and grew up with Kristy as my "older sister". I think of Kristy, Brendan, and the Irvine family all the time. I pray for peace for all of you. I lost my brother, Paul, 12 yrs. ago, and it still is hard, but time does make it bearable. Please know many are praying for you all.
September 12, 2005
YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS DAILY
David Rodgers
November 29, 2004
I have read many articles and stories of Kristin Ryan, she seemed to have a great person. I am very sorry for your tragic loss. 9/11 should never have happened to any of those great people.
November 11, 2004
Thinking of you.
Dan McCaffrey
September 18, 2004
Brendan-
Though it's been years since we've seen each other, I still think of you and the loss that you've endured along with Kristy's family . Time, though it does not fully dissolve the sadness, can through God's Grace, make it less consuming. Know that many from your past think of you and pray for you. I think fondly of you and Billy and the kindness you always showed me-
I hope that this finds you well-
Dan
Chris Smith
August 18, 2004
To all who have posted:
I am Kristy's first cousin and I want to thank all of you for your kind thoughts and prayers. I work in the World Financial Center and my office overlooks the site of the Trade Center and every now and then I do a search for my cousin on the internet when I am feeling sad about her. When I found this site today, it brought tears of joy to my face. Thank you all for caring, Kristy was a beautiful person as you all are. God bless.
Chris
Kim Martin
August 10, 2004
I will always remember the beautiful smile that lit up the halls in St.Anthonys. My thoughts and prayers are with the Irvine &Ryan families.
John ODonnell
September 11, 2003
I have just had the honor of reading this touching tribute to a clearly remarkable woman. I pray that God will comfort those that mourn her passing: Brendan, her family, friends. God Bless.
Shannon Hager
October 23, 2002
You are now my new guardian angel.
Scott and Patti Sutherland
September 17, 2002
Sept. 11, 2002: Today we rode our Harley motorcycle, along with over 5,000 other riders, in a Patriot Day parade. We rode in the parade wearing a wristband with your name on it. We wanted you to know that you were remembered and honored here in Phoenix, Arizona. We would love to send the wristband to your family. Hopefully they will contact us so we may send it to them. God bless you and your family.
Allison
September 16, 2002
My name is Allison and for remembrance of September 11, my Catholic highschool wore wristbands with names of the people killed on September 11. I got Kristine and we were told to read about our person and pary for them. on September 20th, I will take my wristband off and put it in a prayer basket. I am praying for you!
Vicki Adamski
September 12, 2002
I never knew Kristy but I was the adoption worker for her sister Tracy and her husband Brian. I learned of Kristy's story as Tracy was explaining the significance of their new baby's name. I haven't been able to stop thinking about Kristy, her husband and her family since. I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy. Kristy and her family have been in my prayers since that day and will continue to be. It sounds like Kristy was a wonderful woman and after meeting Tracy it is clear to me that it must be a family trait.
May God Bless You,
Maureen Montegari PC '93
September 10, 2002
Brendan,
We have never met, but I went to PC with you and am a Bogmen fan. I want you to know that so many people are thinking of you and are saddened by the uncomprehensible loss you have experienced. I was impressed by the article Father Quigley wrote about his relationship with you and your wife. I will continue to pray for you.
Amy Abdella Kressaty
September 9, 2002
Dear Brendon & entire Irvine Family & Meredith, I was a Senior at UD and an Alpha Phi when Kristy was a Freshman. I vividly remember my talks with her and, while I did not stay in touch with her, I feel as though it was just a few years ago that we met. When I saw her photo, it all came rushing back. There are many people who knew her better than I, that I'm sure will give you greater comfort than I ever could. I just wanted to say that even to those that didn't know her as well as you, she was special; and my heart bleeds with you. Live and celebrate her memory, though! Think of how blessed you were to have known and loved her, and I know you do. All my prayers, Amy Abdella Kressaty.
Diane Gowdie-Hoppe
September 9, 2002
although it has been years since I had seen Kristy, I remember how she was always smiling. On behalf of my family we are very sorry for your tragic loss. May you all find peace.
Andrea Carrano Simone
September 8, 2002
To the Irvine family, her husband and to all of those who knew her,
I met Kristy at UD when I was freshman and she always had a smile on her face. It was great knowing someone from Long Island who had also found Dayton and could relate to so many of the same things as me. Eventhough we weren't close friends at college she would always say hello and ask how I was doing when we would run into one another on campus. I keep Kristy in my prayers each night as I do for my cousin Vincent DiFazio who also lost his life on 9/11. I will never forget what a nice person she was and her great smile. My prayers are with all of you always and epecially as the one year anniversary occurs. God Bless all of you always.
Allison Kehoe
August 13, 2002
Irvine Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Michelle ,you have been one of my best friends for years, yet I never thought you would have to live through something of this magnitude. I remember idolizing Kristy when we were growing up, and thinking how lucky Michelle was to have such a beautiful cool older sister. My heart goes out to the family and friends in losing such a precious, promising young life. A life which actually made this earth a better place while she was here.Brendan, I have only met you a couple of times and I think about you often and my thoughts and prayers are with you.Michelle ,you are such a special person to me and a wonderful friend. I love you!God bless.
Alli Kehoe
Roland Rosas
August 7, 2002
Brendon,
I remember hearing about your loss when I was visiting Bill Annibell a former classmate. We were both moved. It has been a long time since we were in HS but I always remembered seeing both of you. My thoughts are with you and Kristy's family. St. Anthony's class of '89
Robin Schoeps Lewis
July 18, 2002
To the Irvine Family --
I can't even begin to say how devasted I was to hear that Kristy was one of the many lost in the Trade Center. It's been years since we had seen each other, but I will always treasure the memories of when we were young; friends from nursery school to junior high, playing at each others houses with Kerry, Michelle and Stacey, and getting into the occasional mischief. She was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Love,
Robin Schoeps Lewis
Kristen Suthers
May 30, 2002
I remember Kristy from St. Patrick's school. She was always with Meredith O'Neill and Stephanie Klimuskio. I remember thinking how cool it was that they were all such close friends because they were always together (and Kristy always said hi to me). In high school, I would pass by Kristy and Brendan in the hall, and think she was the luckiest girl in the world. Now I know she was. So many people loved her, clearly not only for her physical beauty, but because she had such a good heart. It is a testament to the kind of person Kristy was that the girl I saw her walking with in junior high, Meredith O'Neill, was still her best friend at age 30. Kristy, you touched more lives than you will ever know. You will never be forgotten. To Brendan, Meredith, Kristy's dad and sisters, please know my heart goes out to you.
Rob Armstrong
May 29, 2002
Brendan-
It has been a very long time since we have seen each other but I want you to know that I think of you and Kristy every day. I have taken a long time to write because there is virtually nothing I could say to express the sadness that that I feel. Having grown up in Huntington, having attended Saint Anthony's H.S. and more Bogmen shows than I can count I will always remember the beauty that your bride brought to this earth. My thoughts and prayers are truly with you on a daily basis. When my two boys are old enough to understand I will be certain to teach them of the beautiful angel from Long Island. God Bless You.
Michael Iezzi
May 1, 2002
Father we entrust our sister Kristy to your mercy. You loved her greatly in this life: now that she is freed from all its cares, give her happiness and peace forever. Welcome her now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
April 16, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL WOMAN..KRISTY IRVINE RYAN AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND ST.CHRISTOPHER GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Peter Brink
March 27, 2002
Kristy and that smile...I will never forget how Kristy could light up a room with that smile! My condolences to the Irvine and Ryan families...May God bless you and keep you till then...
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