Daniel A. Ryan Sr.

Daniel A. Ryan, Sr., lovingly known as Dan, of Atlanta, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the age of 73. Born in Portland, OR, he was the second child of Carole (Fraker) and Thomas J. Ryan.
Dan lived a life full of passion, humor, and heart. He was a man of many interests - road trips with no set destination, candle making, college football (Roll Tide!), grilling and smoking meats, crafting the perfect chili, and building bonfires that became legendary among friends and family. He adored his dog Layla, and cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. Holidays held a special place in his heart, especially the Fourth of July, Halloween, and Christmas, which he celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm.
Beyond his immediate family, Dan cultivated a chosen family-a close-knit circle of friends who stood by him for over 36 years. They were his brothers and sisters in spirit, offering unwavering support, laughter, and love. Beneath his rugged exterior was a kind and generous man, known for his fierce loyalty, warmth, and quiet (sometimes not so quiet) strength.
Dan is survived by his sons, Daniel Ryan, Jr. and his wife, Shara, of Buford, GA, and Thomas Ryan-Lawrence and his husband, Chris, of Atlanta, GA,; his former wife and mother of his children, Ann Rinehart of Atlanta, GA,; his siblings, Kathy King of Denver, CO, Rusty Ryan of Chicago, IL, and Polly Gray of Chicago, IL,; his nieces, Tonya Sing, Laura Sandford, Sandy Walter, and Alissa Lewis-Cullen; his nephew, Sean Cullen; and his beloved grandchildren, Noah Ryan-Lawrence, Aidan Ryan, and Liam Ryan.
After a successful career in sales and executive leadership, Dan spent nearly two decades running his own small business. He later moved to Albuquerque, NM, where he lived for almost ten years before returning to Atlanta in 2021 to be closer to his family - a chapter that brought him profound joy and happiness.
While Dan's family deeply mourns his passing, they find comfort in knowing he is at rest. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 15, 2025, at 5:00pm at Ecco Midtown, 40 7th Street NE Atlanta, GA 30308, where all who knew and loved Dan are welcome to gather and honor his memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: NABA Club 1809 Briarwood Road NE Atlanta, GA 30329 or online at https://nabaclub.org/donate/
May his memory forever burn as brightly as one of his bonfires.