Frank Patrick "Captain Frank" Ryan

Frank Patrick Ryan "Captain Frank"

Frank Patrick Ryan age 70 of Melbourne, FL passed over the bar on July 26th, 2017 at his home in the care of his loving partner, Ms. Valerie Zanoni.  Frank was a 1966 graduate of Machais Memorial High School where he was the class Vice President.  He lived with his mother and step-father in Whitneyville, Maine.   He was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Mary (Kilton) Ryan, his father, Frank Patrick Ryan and his stepfather: Frank's father passed before his birth; he adored his stepfather.  

After graduation from High School, Frank followed his passion and, with his stepfather's assistance, enrolled in and attended the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine.  Frank  graduated from MMA in May of 1970 with a BS in Nautical Science and a Third Mate's Unlimited Merchant Mariner's license.  He sailed American Export and Patriot ships until joining the ETC LNG Fleet in 1980.  Frank followed the sea for over 40 years, sailing in all Deck Officer Billets including Master.

Upon graduation from MMA, Frank accepted a commission in the US Navy Inactive Reserves; he received an Honorable Discharge in 1976 with the rank of LTJG.   

Frank is survived by his loving, longtime partner Valerie Zanoni, his brothers John Ryan, of Santa Monica, CA and Chester Ryan of Portland, ME, his two children Shaugn Ryan of Phoenix, AZ  and Patrick Ryan of Ocala, FL , and many  loving nieces, nephews, and relatives.

Frank was the consummate seaman; thoroughly professional, highly skilled, dedicated and diligent; he loved the sea.  He was deceptively bright, exceedingly clever and good humored; he could and did tell jokes for hours.  He was humble and kind; many were blessed to call him friend and have him in their lives.  He will surely be missed. 

There will be a burial at sea memorial for Frank on September 3rd, 2017 port of departure, Cape Canaveral, FL from  The New England Burials at Sea. We will be sailing and scattering ashes from the vessel Time and Tide"    It is only fitting that a man who spent more than half of his life at sea would want to return to the sea.

Memorial Donations may be sent to VISTA Hospice, Melbourne, FL 32935