Frederick W. Ryan

Frederick W. Ryan obituary, Erie, PA

Frederick W. Ryan

About

Frederick Ryan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremations Services, Inc. - Wesleyville on Mar. 11, 2026.
Frederick Wayne Ryan, born May 18, 1933, in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, surrounded by family.

Above all else, Fred was the ultimate family man, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest pride and joy was the family he built and cared for throughout his life.

Fred graduated from Lawrence Park High School in 1951, where he was proud to have played on two championship basketball teams and he also ran track. Following graduation, he served his country in the United States Army, as a Sergeant, alongside his twin brother, Nelson, from 1953 to 1956. Fred dedicated 34 years of service to Meadow Brook Dairy, never missing a single day of work due to illness before retiring in 1995. He jokingly referred to himself as a "nutritional dispensing engineer." Even after retiring, he was active, working part-time delivering auto parts for Auto Value until 2013.

He loved sports throughout his life, whether participating or cheering his grandkids along from the sidelines. Fred bowled and played softball for many years and was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. Later in life, Fred enjoyed sitting in his driveway watching the world go by. Friends and neighbors passing along East 38th Street would often honk their horns and wave as they drove by, a small gesture that meant a great deal to him.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Azuba and Nelson Ryan; his twin brother, Nelson Ryan; his sister, Audrey Marts; his granddaughter, Ellie Cousins, and son in law, Greg Cousins.

Fred is survived by the love of his life, wife of 69 years, Joann Goodman Ryan, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories. He is also survived by his daughters, Denise Cihon and Robin Cousins; his grandchildren, Carly Peightal (Brian), Courtney Weber (Chris), Craig Cihon (Haley), and Katelynn Cousins (Jimmy See); and five great-grandchildren, Carter, Kassie, Billie, Ada, and Layla.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.

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

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