Dennis F. Ryan

Dennis F. Ryan
Dennis F. Ryan, 79, of Somers, CT, passed away on March 24, 2025, surrounded by his family at St. Francis Hospital. Born on November 15, 1945, to Francis and Doris (Wieliczka) Ryan, he grew up in the Broad Brook section of East Windsor and graduated from East Windsor High School.
A veteran of the United States Army, 4th Infantry Division, Dennis proudly served his country in Vietnam from 1965-1967. He received many medals and accolades for his service and bravery. His service was a source of great pride for him, and he carried that honor with him throughout his life. He was a firm believer in the value of hard work, family, loyalty, and duty, and it was these values that shaped the man he was to those who knew and loved him.
After high school and being honorably discharged from the Army, Dennis spent much of his life behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler on night shift as a proud member of Teamsters Local 559 (now 671). After many years on the road, he transitioned to a diesel mechanic position within the same company repairing the very same trucks he once drove. He was a member of American Legion Post 101 in Somers, and the German Club in Broad Brook. He worked hard, sacrificed much, and gave everything he had in order to give his daughters a secure and loving childhood.
Dennis spent many Sunday's watching NASCAR races and was a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt. He could also be found watching UCONN basketball games and spending scratch-off lottery ticket time with his wife. After retiring, he found joy in his daily drives through Broad Brook, stopping along his "like clockwork" route to chat and laugh with friends over a beer or two. His memory will live on in the stories he shared, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife Jeannette Hourihan Ryan; three daughters: Denise Ryan, Danielle Ryan-Praus and her husband Dave, and Karen Ryan; grandchildren Michael Blowen and Rachel Praus, his son-in-law Mike Blowen who was like a real son to him; and stepchildren Patti Weldon, John Hourihan and his wife Marilyn, and Thomas Hourihan and his wife Kerry. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, his sister Darlene, and his stepson Michael.
Relatives and friends are invited for Visitation on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield, CT. A Funeral Home Prayer Service and Military Honors ceremony will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Dennis was very proud of his granddaughter's dedication to the UCONN HUSKYTHON, and donations for that cause in Dennis's honor can be made to https://give.connecticutchildrens.org/give/327729/#!/donation/checkout. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.leetestevens.com.
Leete-Stevens Family Funeral Homes & Crematory