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Cornelius Ryan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Cornelius Ryan
December 2, 2024
I went to a preparatory school called St. Aidan's Nursery between 1992-93. This was located within the precincts of St. Henry's College, Kitovu (SHACK). To be exact, we used to access the school through the last gate to the staff quarters. It was actually next to the residence of the revered Holy Cross football lover Fr. Ryan Joseph Cornelius. I have fond memories of how some of my classmates used to frequent his dumpster to pick up discarded stuff. This was a no go zone for me courtesy of my tough mother, Miss Immaculate Nantume who inducted us to account for every item we possessed.
Fr. Ryan used to have a number of balls and several other modern football kits. From these memories, of course like any other child, I didn't get to know a lot about him beyond merely seeing him around and appreciating his love for the game of football. His residence was also close to the SHACK playgrounds, and we used to see him from a distance training with the school team. May the good Lord repose his soul in eternity. Elvis Kintu Nsonyi, from Kitovu Cathedral Parish, Masaka Diocese-Uganda.
December 2, 2024
I went to a preparatory school called St. Aidan's Nursery between 1992-93. This was located within the precincts of St. Henry's College, Kitovu (SHACK). To be exact, we used to access the school through the last gate to the staff quarters. It was actually next to the residence of the revered Holy Cross football lover Fr. Ryan Joseph Cornelius. I have fond memories of how some of my classmates used to frequent his dumpster to pick up discarded stuff. This was a no go zone for me courtesy of my tough mother, Miss Immaculate Nantume who inducted us to account for every item we possessed.
Fr. Ryan used to have a number of balls and several other modern football kits. From these memories, of course like any other child, I didn't get to know a lot about him beyond merely seeing him around and appreciating his love for the game of football. His residence was also close to the SHACK playgrounds, and we used to see him from a distance training with the school team. May the good Lord repose his soul in eternity.
Tom Rogers Muyunga-Mukasa
December 21, 2022
I did not know that the Rev. Fr. Ryan was Cornellius John since the C.J. were abbreviations. I used to admire his caps, beard and friendliness since he was a family friend. I got to meet him many times and all the while it was inspirational. May his soul rest in peace. I visited Indiana and opted to shift to Notre Dame to surprise him. It is fun memories to think of Fr. Ryan as a mentor to many. As a Global Health Promotion Specialist now, I dedicate my work in memory of Fr. Ryan and many more people who lift others up.
Vee
January 21, 2022
Its been a month now since you left us to be with the Lord. Still hard to believe we cannot have those lengthy soccer conversations anymore.
Thank you for everything you did for youth sports not just at St Henry's but for Uganda in general.
Till we meet again Coach. Rest in peace!
Vee B: (SHACK 91-94) & (St Leo's College Kyegobe 95-97)
John Polis
January 1, 2022
In the mid-1990s I received a call from someone I had never met, Fr. Cornelius Ryan, when I was director of public relations for Umbro, a soccer brand based in the USA. He asked if we ever made available equipment for discount purchase and as he told me of his work in Uganda, I saw that we could help him. That began an association that caused us to donate uniforms, balls, boots and other gear so he could utilize it with his teams. Later, he told me of the many people who came to the USA on college scholarships and that led to me helping two of his players, Sulaiman Tenywa (T-Bone) Bonseu and David Obua, sign their first professional contracts in the USA. Sula signed with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer and David signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL. Later David returned to Africa and eventually went on to play with the Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) and Hearts of Midlothian (Scotland), while Sula played for Columbus, Dallas, New York and Rochester, and played every minute of the 1996 MLS Cup final while on loan to the Chicago Fire. Fr. Ryan told me himself: that when he first went to Uganda, he didn't know much about soccer, but his interest in sport of youth got him involved and he built knowledge to the point where he was identifying talent and sending players to the USA on college scholarships. It is well-known by most people that reaching youth through sport is the key in many cases to putting young people on the pathway to success. Fr. Ryan did that for many soccer players over the years. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten for his work and contributions to the game in Uganda. For me, it was a pleasure knowing him and he will be in my prayers going foward. God bless you, Fr. Ryan, until we meet again. - JP
Ssali Francis
December 31, 2021
A legacy that will last for generations you left at St. Henry's College Kitovu
May you Rest in Peace
Ssali Francis 91-94
Denis Mugagga SHACK (92-96)
December 30, 2021
My sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and the old boys of St. Henry´s College Kitovu. You developed talents across the board. The small Yamaha 33 keyboard (Piano) you donated to the college helped shape many great musicians who are celebrated across the world to date. May you Rest In Peace Father.
Allan Andrew Katimbo
December 30, 2021
With deep sorrow i learn of our icon´s passing! The memories of you linger on in me even today as i navigate thru´ life. Thank you for the inspiration, lessons and generosity. Rest In Peace Man of God. Reverend Father Ryan was my teacher, coach and family for all the while i was back in Uganda i was schooled by him in St. Henry´s College Kitovu, remained in contact even after high school up until i left the country.
AA Katimbo SHACK 1989 a 1991
Seruwagi Thomas Lwanga Teacher SHARk1988-90
December 30, 2021
It's with great sorrow that we learn of the passing on of an icon. Ryan was such a great inspection to the youth that I was then as a fresh graduate from University. His memory will remain at both St Henry and St Leo's. May God's grace be with his soul eternally.
Margach willis
December 30, 2021
Very sad moment to hear the passing of Fr. Ryan our priest from our days at St Henrys college kitovu MHSRIP
Gerald Muhuumuza
December 30, 2021
Deep and sincere condolences to the family, friends and all acquaintances on the passing of our dear beloved Rev. Fr. Cornelius Ryan.
As an old boy of St. Henry's College Kitovu, I was greatly impressed and impacted by Fr. Ryan's resilience during challenging times, resourcefulness in scarcity, promotion of sports and commitment to celebrating the mass.
May his kind generosity be remembered more than any shortfalls he may have had.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Gerald Muhuumuza
SHACK 93-98
Tadeus Kitandwe
December 30, 2021
Fr Ryan gave me and many boys at St Henry´s College chance to shine in sports. He believed in us and made us believe in our potential. He mentored, coached, managed, taught, disciplined and guided many. He is legendary to say the least.
May Fathers soul rest in eternal peace
Maximian Ssenkumba
December 29, 2021
The wonders you did at SHACK will always be remebered. Rest in peace Fr. Ryan
Mubiru DENIS from Uganda kampala Africa
December 29, 2021
Reverend Fr. Ryan was a missionary in Africa who showed that the Gospel can be lived and experienced in many instances. He walked the Gospel through being a priest, teacher, mentor, soccer-coach, basketball enthusiastic, a friend and an art connoisseur. I thank God for Fr. Ryan because he added to my experience of God, earth, Gospel, love for the USA and industriousness. Wummula mirembe Fr. Ryan. His time at St Henry's college kitovu impacted alot on me through football .
Mubiru Denis
Tom Rogers Muyunga-Mukasa
December 29, 2021
Reverend Fr. Ryan was a missionary in Africa who showed that the Gospel can be lived and experienced in many instances. He walked the Gospel through being a priest, teacher, mentor, soccer-coach, basketball enthusiastic, a friend and an art connoisseur. I thank God for Fr. Ryan because he added to my experience of God, earth, Gospel, love for the USA and industriousness.
Wummula mirembe Fr. Ryan.
Didymus Byenkya
December 29, 2021
What a Loss
May the Lord GOD Almighty in Heaven grant Father Ryan's wonderful soul, a Heavenly and Peaceful rest in Eternity.
On behalf of the Old Boys from St. Henry's College Kitovu, Masaka, Uganda.
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Memorial Events
for Cornelius Ryan
Dec
28
Visitation
9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Modell Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Darien7710 South Cass Avenue, Darien, IL 60561
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Modell Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Darien7710 South Cass Avenue, Darien, IL 60561
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