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Ryan Duff Obituary
DUFF, Ryan Richard Josemaría It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved Ryan Richard Josemaría Duff, 18, of Wyngate, Simsbury who died on Friday, (November 11, 2005). He was born October 3, 1987 in Hartford, son of Dennis D. and Linda M. (Cowen) Duff and lived in Simsbury all his life. He was a member of St. Mary Church where he had served as an altar boy. Ryan treasured his years as a Boy Scout and had recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a senior at The Master's School, Simsbury, where he was devoted to the staff, teachers, mentors, and friends whom he viewed as his extended family. Ryan was an avid outdoorsman and was passionate about cycling, hiking, and lacrosse. Ryan enjoyed working at his dream job at Eastern Mountain Sports with a great team. He was thoughtful and principled with a passion for social justice, human rights, the homeless, and the unborn. Ryan will be mourned by our community but his memory lives on in the hearts of his loving family and friends. Besides his parents he leaves his devoted sister Lauren Duff, his "little buddy" brother Michael Duff, his paternal grandparents Robert and Jacqueline Duff of Albuquerque, NM; his maternal grandparents Linda Cowen and Garth White of Frederick, MD; and the cherished families of his aunts, uncles, and cousins the Bessette's, Treiber's, Ladino's, Rahhal's, and Zink's. Ryan joins his grandfather Richard Cowen and his cousin Beth Ladino in heaven. Friends may gather to celebrate Ryan's life at the Master's School, 12 Westledge Road, West Simsbury TODAY Sunday, November 13 and Monday, November 14 from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, November 15, 2005, 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 940 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. Burial will be in Simsbury Cemetery. Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury has charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ryan Duff Memorial Foundation care of the Simsbury Bank and Trust, 981 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 for the benefit of Ryan's treasured charities. The family gratefully acknowledges the care and compassion of the Simsbury Police and staff of the Ambulance, Fire Department, Life Star and Hartford Hospital.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Duff
August 24, 2006
Ryan will always be remembered! God sent him here for a great purpose - to make people think, and dream, and hope for all that is good in this world. He truly was a child of the universe. He is where he needed to be soaring with eagles and angels. Our Lord Jesus Christ holds Ryan close and Ryan always makes Him smile!!! Love from someone who loves Dennis, Linda, Lauren, Mike, Kathy, Steve, Andrew, and always forever, Ryan
April 24, 2006
A day doesn't go by that you are not missed. I stop to say a prayer for you, your family, and all those who love you. You still touch us all and bring out the best in us. Know that the kindness of your heart, your views of the world, and the warmth of your smile will always affect this world. You made a difference then and now. Your parents and siblings are truly remarkable gifts from God as you were to us. With love from a family friend.
Brittany Mann
February 3, 2006
Dear Duff Family,
I was in "Fiddler On the Roof" at TMS when Ryan was in it. I remember all the effort he put into his part. He did a swell job in all the performances. He and I were also apart of the upper division choir, so I got to know him a little better. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed greatly, yet will be remembered always. My prayers and love go out to you in this time of great healing. God Bless your family.
Joan Treese
December 1, 2005
Dear Linda, Dennis, Lauren and Michael~~
I'm so sorry to learn of Ryan's death. You may not remember me. I am a friend of Caroline's and she sent me the notice. Please know that Chuck and I have praying for all of you during this most difficult time. God bless you.
Joan and Chuck Treese
Colin Burr
November 28, 2005
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Duff and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Ryan was a very good person and was always a good friend towards me and those around him. I know that he is in heaven with God know and he is looking down over everyone. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Colin Burr
Sue Poe Hardy
November 27, 2005
Dear Linda, Dennis, Lauren and Michael,
I am so deeply saddened by your loss. Having been friends with Caroline since college, and remaining in touch with her and Ryan's grandmother all these years, I feel I've known you and your family through them.
My family, having suffered the same loss years ago, will be keeping yours in our prayers. May God hold you close in His loving arms.
sue
November 18, 2005
I have been reading the signing of the guest book for a few days now. As parents and family members of Ryan you should be proud of the love and respect Ryan has left the people he has touched. He sounded like such a wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
Donna Kinne
November 17, 2005
Dear Dennis, Linda, Lauren & Mike, words are so hard to find in times like this. But I thought of two funny stories of Ryan in the last few years. One of which was quite awhile ago. I can't remember how old Ryan was. He came to work with Dennis one Saturday for a meeting. He came in my office after to chat and so nicely offered to get me a glass of water, of which I accepted. But little did I know what he had in mind. When he handed me the cup (with a little quirky grin), I took a sip and realized that he was so kind to give me a cup of warm water! He thought that was the funniest thing!! Then another story I will always remember was his performance on stage at our company picnic a few years back. Quite the entertainer he was. Made us all laugh hysterically even tho his parents were mortified. I will miss the "Ryan" stories, but know soon to come will be many "Mike" stories. Altho Mike has big shoes to fill! Please know how much your strength thru all of this has inspired us all. You are truely all amazing, caring and wonderful people. I feel blessed to know such wonderful people. Donna
Susan Hoffman
November 16, 2005
My Dear Dennis, Linda, Lauren and Michael,
Words cannot express how I am feeling for you and for dear Ryan. I am sending you all the strength, hope and love that you can handle and I so very wish I could do something for you.
Know that you are loved and cared for.
Susan
David Veith
November 16, 2005
Mr. Duff, Mrs. Duff, Michael, and Lauren:
These last few days have been some pretty trying times in my life, and the thing that got me through it all was not my own personal faith in God, but yours. Seeing how strong you were and how deeply rooted in the church you are touched me. I did not have the chance to get to know Ryan very well, but through the things I remember and the stories I've heard, I know that he was a great person and will be truely missed by all, and while his life may have ended in tragedy, he was able to go to God having taught a lesson to everyone. I am proud to have known him, and you should be proud of all the things he was able to accomplish in his lifetime. My prayers and sympathies are with you always, and I hope that things will get better for you.
Sincerely,
David Veith
Peter Geise
November 16, 2005
Dennis,
My heart is heavy with sadness upon learning of the passing of your son, Ryan. Tragedy is never easy nor convenient nor deserved but God helps us cope. My prayers are with you and your family.
Regards,
Alicia Clendennin
November 16, 2005
I heard today of the tragic loss of your son. Although I did not know Ryan personally, I can only imagine that he was a wonderful young man, having had parents and a family such as yours. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Fondly, Alicia Conor and Morgan
Jennifer Burke
November 16, 2005
November 16, 2005
Dear Lauren and Family,
I am deeply sorry for your sudden loss. May God grant you comfort during this time.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Don & Jeanne Holcomb
November 16, 2005
Dear Dennis And Linda,
Jeanne and I were shocked to learn of the loss of your son Ryan. We know God has a special place for young people he takes into Heaven and we're sure Ryan is there now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Don And Jeanne Holcomb
Rich Veith
November 15, 2005
To Mr. & Mrs. Duff, Lauren, and Michael:
Not a day goes by here at Norwich University that I do not use something that I have learned from Boy Scouts, and many of those things that I know I learned how to do better from Ryan. Even though he entered a year after me, I still looked up to him for his vast knowledge and skill in the outdoors. Everyone always had great things to say about him. I have many memories of scout trips where it would not have been anywhere near as fun without Ryan gracing our presence. Know that his spirit lives on in all that he touched at Troop 175 and the lessons I have learned from him will go a long way in my future.
You all had a hand in raising a truly amazing man.
With my deepest sympathies,
Richard Veith
Maureen Peruta
November 15, 2005
Although I didn't know Ryan personally, I always heard such wonderful things about him from his Aunt (a coworker of mine). He clearly touched so many lives in his short time here and will be deeply missed by all. I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers and wishing you comfort during your time of sorrow.
Greta
November 15, 2005
You have been in my thoughts everyday several times a day since Friday. I will be in contact with you soon. Take care, Greta HHED
Lauren Ross
November 15, 2005
Ryan had a great smile and the special ability to make anyone laugh. My thoughts and prays are with you.
Megan Gill
November 15, 2005
I did not have the honor of knowing your son but have friends children whose lives were touched by Ryan. May God Bless you in this time of grief. Please know that Ryan and your family are in my prayers.
Michele Lynch
November 15, 2005
To the Duff family: My deepest sympathy to your entire family. My heart goes out to you all. Know that you are in the hearts and minds of many, many people.
Jan Hampton
November 15, 2005
Dear Linda, Dennis, Lauren and Michael,
Everyone whose lives have been touched by your wonderful family shares your grief in the loss of your beautiful son. You are in our hearts and our prayers always.
The Hampton Family
Ramsey Griffen
November 15, 2005
Dear Dennis and family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and family.
Ramsey Griffen
Brad Sauerbrei
November 15, 2005
To Lauren and the entire Duff Family,
I am so sad to hear of your brothers' passing. Your family will be in my thoughts and those of my family. I'll be praying for you all.
Krystyna Kielb
November 15, 2005
To the entire Duff family:
Ryan was always an inspiration to me, from the moment that we met. I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers of grace and peace are constantly for all of you. Ryan was a wonderful and unique individual, he will be sorely missed, but his life will remain celebrated within all of our hearts.
Judith Lumpp
November 14, 2005
Dear Linda,Dennis and Family,My Deepest Sympathy in the Loss of Ryan,it saddened my heart to have your family go through this. God Bless your Family. Love ,
November 14, 2005
To the Duff Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know everyone is thinking of you and praying for you and your entire family.
A Squadron Line Mom!
Jerry Trokey
November 14, 2005
So very sorry for you and your family. I have had many phone calls from your friends at Plaskolite to
please express to there sorrow.Mitch and I will be at the
church. All who know you Dennis
are with you and your family.I have arranged for a mass to be said for Ryan at my church each November.
Trok
Claire Charette
November 14, 2005
To the Duff family~
I don't even know where to begin. Ryan has forever changed my life and not a day goes by where I don't think of how much his friendship has meant to me. Words could never truly express how grateful I am for the time I have had with him. I will miss the laugher, the crying, the debating, the smiling and every thing else that I had with him, but I know he will forever be apart of me. My heart and prayers go out to your entire family and I pray God's love and grace would hold you and comfort you through this time.
Gerry Solitario
November 14, 2005
Dennis and family; I am so sorry for your tragic loss and know any words I could write will fall short in effectively comforting you at this time. However your great faith will allow God's grace to make up for that and in time bring hope and trust where the world sees only loss.
Dennis Jacobs
November 14, 2005
Dennis, Linda, Lauren and Michael,
We are so sorry for your loss of Ryan. No words can take away the pain. You have a great family, community and friends to turn to anytime. We will all be there for you.
All our Love, Dennis, Nance, Melissa and Morgan
A Parent that feel your loss
November 14, 2005
To the Duff Family -
Our deepest sympathy to your family at this time of sadness. Ryan has left a deep dent in our hearts. May God bless and keep you all - you are in our prayers.
Constance Cather
November 14, 2005
Although I never had the privilege of being Ryan's teacher, he always greeted me with a smile on the TMS campus. He was a blessing to me and especially to my daughter, Isabel. We grieve with you and place you in the tender care of our loving God.
In prayer and sympathy,
The Cather Family
krista petersen
November 14, 2005
your family is in my heart
Mary Dmytruk
November 14, 2005
I wish there were words to say that would make sense of the loss of your wonderful son and brother. Your faith in God will help you through this difficult time. I believe those that are now in heaven watch over us.
Peace,
Edward, Mary & Michael Dmytruk
Wendy Millstein
November 14, 2005
Dear Linda and family,
I was so sad to hear of your enormous loss. You have always served as an inspiration to others with your warm smile, soft voice and positive attitude. I hope that now you can take strength from others who care for you so deeply.
Wendy, Allison and Erika Millstein
Mary & Dennis Hannon
November 14, 2005
Dearest Dennis and Linda, Ryan's sparkle in his kind eyes and smile like the sun radiated the warmth and caring His love of everyone and everything. It was always our honor to talk with Ryan, laugh with Ryan, and learn from Ryan. "A son any parent would love to have and would be proud of," we always say. Thank you for the privilege of sharing his life with us. May the Lord watch over and guide you. Love, Dennis and Cricket
Lauren and Michael, We are sorry for your loss. Cherish Ryan's love and smiles.He will be smiling upon you with the twinkle in his eyes and sharing His strength with you. God Bless Your Family. Love, Mr. and Mrs. Hannon, Gregory and Bryan
Halina Waluszko
November 14, 2005
Dear Dennis, Linda, Michael, and Lauren, I am so sorry for your loss. My Mom, Irene, and I want you to know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Wright
November 14, 2005
Dear Dennis, Linda, Lauren and Michael
I wish to express my deepest sympathy at this time for such a great loss. Please know that your family is in my prayers and thoughts at this time. Ryan was truly a special son.
Megan Cruz (Desrochers)
November 14, 2005
To the Duff Family,
Lauren and I grew up together dancing, you are all part of my childhood. I am so sorry to hear of Ryan. I will always remember him in the back seat on the way to class.
you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Only time will heal but nothing will ever take away the memories.
Penny Longo
November 14, 2005
Linda and Family
Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am to hear of the loss of your son. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, God bless.
Penny Longo - Newington
DARLENE & RICHARD UTZINGER
November 14, 2005
You now must walk where no one should ever have to walk. We have traveled this road, and continue to do so with with the love and support of Christian friends and family (including The Master's School).Please know you are not alone,we are with you. May your grief be soffened by the knowledge that Ryan is WALKING THE STREETS OF GOLD. We are praying for you and your family.Gods's Peace Be With You
We will contact you at a later date.
Pat, Roberta, Andy and Lorrin Lenarz
November 14, 2005
Duff Family,
We are so sorry for you at this time of grief. It is hard to envision what you are going through - the loss of a family member - of Ryan, the child; the brother - is just about the saddest thing that any one of us can imagine. Our family, especially Andy, knew Ryan since Squadron Line, and he will be sorely missed. We will keep all of you in our hearts and our prayers and hope you find comfort in the fact that Ryan will be looking after you from Heaven.
The Lenarz Family
Chris McKay
November 14, 2005
I went to Philmont w/ Ryan, summer 2004. Amazing how much you get to know about someone when you live in such close quarters, 24 hours a day for more than a week. What I noticed most were the simple things. He was real. And he stood for what he believed in. Sleep peacefully, for all eternity, duff-man. My prayers to the Duff family.
November 13, 2005
May God Bless Ryan - Your Son, Brother, Family Member and Friend - He showed the world how to love, sincerely help and care for those who needed "help". Rest in your hearts knowing that he is in peace now and helping those he has wanted to help all along.
May God Bless All of the Duff Family
Cory Telman
November 13, 2005
Ryan was a great kid. Our class is devastated. He was the most unique person I ever met. You should be proud.
Cory Telman, Class of 2006
November 13, 2005
To The Duff Family: May God forever hold Ryan in the palm of His hand. Ryan's beautiful soul will be missed. Smile at the happy memories you had with him. Even though this is a painful time for you, know that Ryan is watching over you from heaven. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you peace in your hearts.
Jillian Bascetta
November 13, 2005
Ryan is a great loss, I remember him in diapers at Girl Scout gatherings. Linda Duff is one of the kindest most generous person I have ever know and her daughter Lauren reflects her good nature. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers
Sarah Greenwood
November 13, 2005
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Duff, Lauren, and Michael,
I am so deeply sorry to hear of your loss. I know what a close family you are, and words could never heal, but I also know how strong you are. Your faith will carry you through this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Ryan will be with you forever, and that he is in peace with God in Heaven. My family and I are praying for you and for Ryan.
Lauren, please know that I'm always here to support you.
Love,
Sarah Greenwood
The Herzigs
November 13, 2005
To the Duff Family:
I was truly distraught regarding the news about Ryan. Just with him the evening before at the soup kitchen, he showed caring and tenderness toward the under-privileged families we served. I know he touched many people’s lives and, even though he may not be here with us, he has touched so many and will never truly leave us.
Marie Carilli
November 13, 2005
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your exceptional son.
The Carilli Family
November 13, 2005
cherish the warmth of the good times. the rest is meaningless. may your hearts be at peace.. so sorry for your loss
Charlie Copeland
November 13, 2005
Ryan was a wonderful young man, the Boy Scouts and The Order of the Arrow will miss him a lot. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan's family and friends.
Ray Shove
November 13, 2005
My deepest sympathies go out to Dennis and Linda, and the rest of Ryan's family and friends. If only words could help ease the pain, I would wish to write them here. May God bless and give strength to Ryan's family, and may He bless and keep Ryan at His side always.
Antoinette Jenkins
November 13, 2005
To: Linda, Dennis, Lauren, and Micheal
On the behalf of the Jenkins Family we are so sorry about Ryan because he was really a good kid. I'm going to really miss helping you and Dennis bringing the groceries in my house so don't worry about him because he's up there with Jesus and the angels now. May God Bless You and keep you safe in his arms always.
Your True Friend:
Antoinette Jenkins
Mary and Beth White
November 13, 2005
Dearest Dennis, Linda, Lauren & Michael,
We are so profoundly saddened by your loss -- Ryan is such a special soul. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless--
Carolyn Bligh
November 13, 2005
We had the pleasure of meeting Ryan several times, as he always says "Hi Matt" to our son when we run into him. Always friendly with a smile. What a great young man. Our prayer are with you and your family.
The Bligh Family
Jeannot, Carolyn, Matt and Anna
Dallas Olin
November 13, 2005
Linda and family,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Although I haven't seen you in about 10 years, I will never forget how polite and well behaved your children were when you came into the salon. Ryan sounds like he was a wonderful young man. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Laurets
November 13, 2005
God has prepared a place for Ryan among His many veterans. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying time.
A Mother
November 13, 2005
I can not imagine the pain of loosing a son at such a young age...I pray your family can find some comfort in knowing he is in a better place watching over his family..May your beloved guardian angel ease your pain and strengthen your faith.
The Iovino Family
November 13, 2005
Dear Duff Family,
We will miss Ryan's smiling face at Squadron Line on Sundays. We will keep you in our prayers always.
Jane Langlais
November 13, 2005
I had the pleasure of working at EMS with Ryan. What a great, great guy! When he was first hired, I was amazed that he was a high school student. His maturity and ability to talk so openly with all of us led me to believe that he was much older than 17. I am a teacher at Lewis Mills High School and I worked at EMS part time over the summer. Ryan would always have a smile on face. He made us all laugh when he would try on different hats and even help customers while wearing something goofy. I remember performing closing duties in the back of the store, Ryan breaking down boxes and I was emptying trash. We got to know each other a little bit, sharing stories about our upbringing, our families, and our religions. I am sure his family is so so proud of the way Ryan lived his life. I'm so sorry it was cut short. I do believe that Ryan is already in heaven. Ryan and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Jane
Kevin & Linda Smith
November 13, 2005
Our prayers go out to Dennis,Linda, Michael & Loren. We very deeply saddened by this unfortunate accident.
Jeri Veronesi
November 13, 2005
Words can not express the sadness in my heart for the entire Duff family. Be strong for each other and reflect on what a wonderful child God lent you and what joy you all shared as a family.
Carolyn DeLorme
November 13, 2005
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Carolyn DeLorme
Linda Berard
November 13, 2005
Dennis, Linda, Lauren & Michael,
Our thoughts and Prayers are with all of you. Phillippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
With Sincere Sympathy, Linda, Bob, Alyssa, & Rob Berard
James Paul
November 13, 2005
The 5 minutes I got to spend with Ryan in your kitchen has inscribed a special place in my heart for him always. With deepest sympathy,
Jim Paul
Laurel Urda
November 13, 2005
Dear Duff Family,
We are deeply sorry. Danica and I were at EMS the other day and watched Ryan help a woman. He was so polite, grown up and patient. We hadn't seen him in a while, and were so impressed with him. He will be missed by many.
"Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal."- Thomas Moore
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Urdas
George Paul
November 13, 2005
Dennis,Linda,Lauren & Michael, our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless!-George & Patty
Kathy Accurso
November 13, 2005
Dennis, Linda, Lauren and Michael, We are praying for you and your family throughout these days. Ryan was a pleasure to meet this summer at the Mass for St. Josemaria. You are in our thoughts and prayers all through the day and night. Love, Dave, Kathy, Mary, Caroline, Christi and Joseph Accurso
Don & Anne Steele
November 13, 2005
Linda and Dennis,
We grieve with you and rejoice with Ryan for he is now where we all hope to be someday - in the presence of our Almighty Father.
The Demusz Family
November 12, 2005
Dear Dennis, Linda, Lauren and Michael,
Ryan's passing is a shock to the small community of Simsbury. He was an exceptional young man who will be greatly missed. I'm glad that Asia had the opportunity of being his friend all through elementary school and we will keep those fond memories close to our hearts. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Marshall Kutz
November 12, 2005
Im so sorry to the family of Ryan Duff. I hope that everyone feels better and tries to remember the good things about his life and how much he was loved. im sorry again.
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