Gerard R. "Gerry" Ryan

Gerard R. "Gerry" Ryan obituary, Chelmsford, MA

Gerard R. "Gerry" Ryan

Gerard Ryan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home on Jan. 19, 2026.
Gerard R. "Gerry" Ryan, age 76, a longtime resident of Westford, passed away peacefully at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln on Thursday, January 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Dawn G. (Hardacker) Ryan, with whom he shared 28 wonderful years of marriage.
Born in Malden on August 31, 1949, Gerry was the son of the late Francis and Narretta E. (Myatt) Ryan.
Raised in Lexington, he graduated from Lexington High School and served in the Air Force. Gerry was a dedicated employee of Verizon and Fujitsu for many years and, in retirement, enjoyed working for JC Madigan Truck Equipment. His favorite pastime was spending summers at Long Lake in Harrison, Maine, with family and friends.
In addition to his wife, Gerry is survived by his four children: Christina Martel and her husband Jerry of Tewksbury, Gerard P. Ryan of Medford, Brian Kelly and his wife Nicole of Chelmsford, and Erin Capozzi and her husband Michael of Littleton. He was the proud "Papa" to nine grandchildren-Timothy Martel and his wife Jennifer, Jacob Martel, Haylie Martel, Mackenzie Ryan, Abigail and Caroline Capozzi, and Jordan and Natalie Kelly-as well as three great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his brother, Francis Ryan of Merrimack, NH.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King St., Littleton. Those attending are kindly asked to gather directly at the church. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gerry's memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org.

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

How to support Gerard's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Gerard Ryan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Gerard Ryan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?