Robert "Bob" Ryan

Tillson - Robert Kenneth Ryan, 65, of Tillson, NY, known by all his family and friends as Bob, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 7, 2024 at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY.
On April 9, 1959, the world got a little brighter when Bob was born to Kenneth J. and Joan D. Ryan, the first of their five children. Even as a young boy, Bob's outgoing and jokester personality shone through - being the life of every get together and often finding himself getting into trouble, traits that rang through the entirety of his life.
In 1979, Bob followed in the footsteps of his beloved uncle, Tom Rowe, and joined the Coast Guard - spending some of his happiest years pursuing his love of mechanics, making lifelong friendships, working on ships, and being on the water. Stationed in Astoria, Oregon working on the USCGC Yocona, Bob worked his way up the ranks, eventually being transferred to New Haven, Connecticut as the Chief Machinery Technician, during which time he got married to Patricia Ryan and had his two sons, Matthew and Michael. Over his years of active duty, Bob received numerous medals and ribbons including First Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Pistol Shot Ribbon (Marksman), and Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon. Bob was a proud Veteran up until the day he died; a member of the American Legion and VFW, Bob was always wearing his Retired Coast Guard hat as a sign of respect for his time in the service and to spark conversations with others, making it a mission in his retired life to be an advocate for all those who served.
Above all else, Bob loved his family fiercely. His biggest pride and joy in life were his two boys, Matthew and Michael, and this love grew even greater when he welcomed his two daughter-in-laws into the family - Megan and Caroline - viewing them as his own daughters. He couldn't wait to become a "Grand-Bob", and the day his grandson, Luke, was born was described as one of the best days of his life - a true testament to how much his family was the center of his whole world.
Bob would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it - but he wouldn't do it without a joke first. A social butterfly, his goal was to meet everyone and introduce you to them after he did it. If you were spending time with Bob, you were spending time laughing - either at his jokes, reminiscing about something outrageous he did, or just because that's what Bob did - make you laugh. His friendships span far and wide, captivating people with his wit and desire to get to know you.
When Bob wasn't out socializing, you would find him working on old cars and tinkering with anything that had a motor. A love he shared with his sons, his hands were always covered in grease from whatever project he was working on, always finding an old machine to bring back to life. Bob was also an active person, most recently discovering joy in boxing - and the group of people he boxed with. In his retirement, he traveled to Florida and Michigan often - and to no one's surprise, made many friends in these new communities.
Bob is predeceased by his parents, Kenneth J. and Joan D. Ryan; his sister, Linda Ryan; and numerous close family members. Bob is survived by his two sons, Matthew (Megan) Ryan of Gardiner, NY and Michael (Caroline) Ryan of Delmar, NY; his grandson, Luke Ryan; his former wife, Patricia Ryan of Tillson, NY; his siblings, Nancy (Armand) Benincasa of North Fort Myers, FL, Lisa (Joseph) Jerkowski of Tillson, NY, and Thomas Ryan of Tillson, NY; his girlfriend, Lisa Jenks of Muskegon, MI; his nieces and nephews, Ryan Benincasa, Alyssa Benincasa, Michaela Jerkowski, Brendan Jerkowski, and Megan Jerkowski; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
Family and friends are invited to come celebrate the joyous life of Bob. Visitation will be at the George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., 2053 Route 32, Rosendale on Monday August 12 from 4 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter's Church in Rosendale, NY on Tuesday August 13 at 11 AM. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held after the Mass at the Rosendale Plains Cemetery in Tillson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or the Tillson American Legion PO Box 203, Tillson, NY 12468. The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out with so many kind words and support during these last few days; the outpouring of love shows just how special Bob was. (www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com)