What is your first memory of Ryan? Share a favorite memory you have of Ryan. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Ryan. Describe a time when Ryan made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Ryan? Talk about a shared experience you had with Ryan. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Ryan. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Ryan. What is something you learned from Ryan?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Obituary

Guest Book

About

Broughton High School University of North Carolina

Ryan Cribbins Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 6, 2024.

David Ryan Cribbins, born Nov. 26, 1954 in Bainbridge, MD died at his Chatham County home on Dec. 17, 2023 at the age of 69. He is survived by girlfriend, Cathy Kannenberg of Charleston, SC, brother, Paul S. Cribbins (Patti) of Valle Crucis, NC, sister, Nina Bernard (Kellum) of Murphy, NC, stepson, Lee Miller (Emily) of Hillsborough, NC, and stepdaughter, Mary Beth Miller (Brock) of Cedar Grove, NC, nieces, Sara Smith (Adam) of Chattanooga, TN, Holly Cribbins (Mark) of Collegeville, PA, Megan Bernard (Glenn) of Seattle, WA and Tyler Bernard (Steve) of Murfreesboro, TN. He was previously married to Beth Stancil Miller and Sherry Graham. He was affectionately known as "Crawdaddy" to his three grandchildren, Ada, Ash and Jensen. Ryan attended Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC (Class of '72) and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Political Science. After college, he had a long career at Research Triangle Institute as an IT manager. Ryan was always present for family graduations and weddings, no matter the location. He fell under the spell of the music, food and people of New Orleans and developed deep friendships there as he attended music festivals each year. He spent time in the area helping to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina and subsequent storms. After retirement from RTI, he volunteered with the CORA Food Pantry of Chatham County and worked at Farmer Foodshare. He enjoyed gardening, cheering on the Tarheels, ramping up his fantasy football leagues, taking beach volleyball trips, and long walks with his beloved dog, Lily. Ryan was active and athletic, setting a daily example of exercise. He was a life force; full of kindness, humor, generosity, and intelligence. His circle of friends was large and loyal. He had an affinity for good food and a wide variety of music. Ryan's death has left a huge void, but his life leaves an indelible mark.

His family and friends will host a Celebration of Ryan's life on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at a time and place TBD.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Bank of NC, CORA Food Pantry in Chatham County, or WWOZ (New Orleans Public Radio Station).

View All Photos

Add Photos to Memorial

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Ryan Cribbins's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

March 9, 2024

Phil Rahn planted trees.

March 9, 2024

Phil Rahn posted to the memorial.

March 9, 2024

Kerry Manint posted to the memorial.

16 Entries

Phil Rahn

Planted Trees

Phil Rahn

March 9, 2024

I first met Ryan on opposite sides of the volleyball court both indoor 6 man and outdoor doubles. He would always win. We then got adopted by a group of Mooresville folks and went annually for the "Boys at the Beach" weekend for countless years where we would bike, swim, play surf frisbee, and culminate with heated matches of beach bocce. Again, he always won. Great man, great friend, I will miss him, his joy of life and our friendship. Miss ya Crib!

Kerry Manint

March 9, 2024

We have shared many Jazz Fest (and non-Jazz Fest) times with Ryan down here in New Orleans. He had an uncanny way of finding us in the middle of a huge crowd at what used to be the Acura Stage. He loved the food , music and folks down here . We will miss him.

Terri Starritt Haywood

Planted Trees

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Follow this page

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

George Ploghoft

January 23, 2024

I knew Ryan through vollball and was a member of his men's team (Great Sax) and played many, many doubles matches against him and once in while, with him. I'll always remember his laugh, his competitiveness, and his humor. He will be sorely missed by us all. RIP, Ryan.

Michael Johnson

January 18, 2024

I knew Ryan since 7th grade, a very cool guy, always positive and funny. God bless his soul.

Clevie Evans

January 16, 2024

I became friends with Ryan during high school at Needham Broughton in Raleigh, NC. our sophomore year. We remained friends throughout the years, after college, after personal losses, & major life changes. Ryan was always there for me. His laugh was enough to cheer anyone up, and it was infectious, not to be outdone by his generosity. I will miss him dearly. - Clevie Evans-

Patty Mahder

January 11, 2024

I first met Ryan back in the summer of 2020. He was one of the core volunteers at CORA. He was always willing to help and during the early days of the pandemic, I honestly would not have been able to accomplish all that was needed at CORA without his help. I will miss his smile, kindness, and his gentle manner.

Rebecca Hankins

January 11, 2024

Ryan was a wonderful and dedicated volunteer at CORA. We will miss his beautiful smile that lighted up the room and his generous soul always willing to lend a helping hand.

Melissa Driver Beard

January 11, 2024

All of us at CORA Food Pantry will remember Ryan as one of our first volunteers who was willing to drive our truck! He was an enormous help in the early days of the COVID pandemic. And though we shouldn't have favorites, he was definitely one of our favorite volunteers. His kindness, generosity, and spirit will be sorely missed.

Angie Holler

Planted Trees

Mary Brown

January 11, 2024

Ravenscroft first grade. Playing tag in the school yard. I went to school with Ryan from Ravenscroft kindergarten through Broughton high school. He was always kind. My name was Mary Beth Olive at Ravenscroft.

Jim Corter

January 11, 2024

I am saddened to hear of Ryan's untimely passing. I knew him in high school, and was his roommate in college for a while. Ryan was a good person, and great company. He was good-natured almost without fail, and took great pleasure in sports, Bruce Springsteen, and making corny jokes (many of them "colorful"). I will miss him, and regret not making time to see him on my too-infrequent trips back to Raleigh.

Alan Rowe

January 10, 2024

Catharine Carter

Planted Trees

Greg Crane

January 10, 2024

In the 70's Ryan lived down the street from me in Meridith Woods in Raleigh, NC. We played football and other sports around the neighborhood. He was very athletic player. We also graduated from Needham Broughton together in the class of '72. I remember at graduation he sat on the end of the row next to me and said he would sit in my lap if their weren't enough chairs when we filed in.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results