GILBERT J. RYAN

GILBERT JOHN RYAN

Gil was the son of the late Gilbert and Elizabeth (Maurath); beloved husband and shmoopie to Jody (Perkins); proud father to Jack and Andy; brother to Maryann Ditzel, Tom (Brenda) and Jane (Harry Gruss); uncle to Jason Ditzel (Cindy), Phil Ditzel (Tiffany), Kelly Phillips (John), Kevin Ryan and Karen Balderson (Ryan); Katie Gifford (Cam); Ellie, Tommy, Austin and Skylar Perkins; son-in-law to Tom and Joan Perkins; brother-in-law to Tom Perkins (Amy) and Todd Perkins (Niely), Great Uncle to Zack and Ava Ditzel; Parker and Paige Ditzel and Charlie Kate Gifford; Coach to hundreds of OLA boys basketball players; and cherished friend to so many more.

Gil died peacefully on September 23, 2020 surrounded by the comfort of his loving family.

Gil was a life-long member of Our Lady of Angels Parish, a graduate of Cathedral Latin School and loyal alumnus of Ohio University.  Gil was a proud public servant in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court since 1978.  Gil leaves his Court family with heavy hearts. He was a calming, knowledgeable and supportive co-worker and friend. 

He told a great story, a good joke, loved classic rock and reggae music, nonfiction books, history told in black and white, Ohio University, a well-manicured lawn and a trip to the beach.  Gil enjoyed all Cleveland Indians games, especially those under 3 hours long and never let a Browns loss ruin a good time or tailgate.  Gil loved a Saturday morning shopping trip to the West Side Market, a dip in the back yard pool and a full cooler to share with friends on the back porch.

Gil believed in outdoor grilling 365 days a year and burgers on Christmas Eve.  He believed you nurture your friendships, you tell someone when you love them and you go to Mass on Sunday, even on vacation.  He always agreed to dance with his wife when Van Morrison sang "Into the Mystic" whether in the kitchen, on the back porch or in the rain. 

Gil basked in the tall shadows cast by his two beautiful boys while walking in the St. Patrick's Day parade or doing just about anything else with them.

Gil was a beautiful soul, a patient and graceful man, a devoted husband an extremely proud father, brother, uncle, colleague, coach and friend.  Those who knew him are better for having experienced his kind heart, good humor and commitment to living life with joy and faith.  Most of all, he provided us with friendship that leaves an indelible mark.  For those left behind, we will have to make peace knowing that if love could have cured him, he would have lived forever.

His family is so very grateful for the grace, support and friendship of all who loved him and we respectfully ask that in lieu of flowers donations be extended to the caring nurses and staff of Hospice of the Western Reserve.  Gil will be laid to rest in a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 3644 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, Ohio  44111.  Please join us to celebrate Gil’s life.