Dennis James Ryan

Dennis James Ryan of Trumansburg passed away on August 28, 2025, at Cayuga Medical Center at the age of 86. Dennie led a humble life marked by his contributions to community and family, leaving behind a legacy of service and mentorship.

Born on August 9, 1939, in Harford, New York, Dennie was a son to the late Dennis and Mary (Crispell) Ryan Sr. He graduated from Ithaca High School, where he served as Vice President of the Future Farmers of America.

Dennie made his career as a bricklayer, working for various contractors in the Ithaca area ultimately retiring with over 50 years of membership in the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union. Over the years, he dedicated much time to training apprentices in Local Union 17, working side-by-side with them sharing his skills.

An active member of his community, Dennie was recognized for his unselfishness and generous devotion to service, earning the Service to Mankind Award in 1984. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Boy Scouts, having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and later receiving the Silver Beaver Award. He was a dedicated leader for Jacksonville Troop 22 for many years and participated in the Boy Scout Leadership Development Program.

At Trinity Lutheran Church, Dennie was instrumental in the construction of additions and helped execute and build the community hall at Jacksonville Church.

He cherished the time spent with his family during numerous fishing trips to Canada, an experience that strengthened bonds with his four sons. He built his own muzzleloader and created similar ones for each of his sons. He also enjoyed mountain man and primitive rendezvous events and would spend countless hours in his workshop using reclaimed wood to create both modern and early American style furniture.

Dennie is survived by his four sons, Jeff (Barbara Edelman), Mark (Laura), Tim (Debbie), and Phil (Anni); grandchildren David, Elizabeth, Jacob, Amber, Lexi, Brooke, and Brady; great-grandson Ian; sister Peggy Houghton; brother Gordon (Jane) Ryan; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents; Dennie was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mary; daughter-in-law, Marla Edelman; granddaughter, Emily Ryan; and siblings Arthur Pierce, Loraine Wood, and Beverly Baker.

The family will be present to receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00pm on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home in Trumansburg. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 5:00pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those that would like to make a contribution in his memory to kindly consider the Groton Ambulance, PO Box 96, Groton, NY 13073.