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Robert Ryan Obituary
DEFIANCE - Robert Joseph Ryan, age 100 of Defiance, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at CHP In-Patient Hospice Center, Defiance, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Defiance, Ohio on April 22, 1925, to the late John T. and Frances M. (Moser) Ryan. Bob was a 1943 graduate of Jewell High School and president of his senior class. He enlisted in the US Army in October 1944 and served as a sergeant in Company B, 35th Infantry Regiment during World War II. He served in the South Pacific and the Philippine Islands, and spent 13 months in Japan as part of the occupational forces until his discharge in November 1946. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with another Bronze Battle Star, the Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
On April 22, 1950, he married Patricia Ann Hoeffel and together they raised six children. They celebrated 67 years together until Pat's death in 2017.
He worked as a tool polisher at S-K Hand Tools for 43 years until his retirement in 1990. He also helped his father and brother Bernard work the family farm off Shawnee Drive. His love for farming extended into many years of Sunday afternoon rides in the country checking the fields around the area.
He was an avid fan of the Defiance Bulldogs, watching home and away football, basketball and baseball games for nearly 60 years. He was often found at Maag's afterwards enjoying a beef sandwich and a beer with Chuck Hazelton, Wayne Wallace and Kenny Harris. He was also known for walking 3-4 miles a day for many years which doctors felt contributed to his longevity and good health.
Bob was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance. He and Pat were original members of the St. Mary Noodle Club.
He thoroughly enjoyed conversing with anyone and everyone at family reunions, family gatherings, weddings, graduations, anniversaries and other social events.
Bob is survived by his children, Karen (Michael) Sauber of Shelby, North Carolina; Rebecca (Anthony) Saxton, Timothy (Deborah) Ryan, Mark Ryan, Edward (Theresa) Ryan and Bruce (Julia) Ryan, all of Defiance; and sister, Mary L. (Jack) Schriner, of Defiance. Bob also adored his 9 grandchildren, Jennifer (Ronnie) Coleman, Nathan (Jessica) Sauber, Kristin (Jerry) Reed, Elisha (Joel) McNeal, Emilee Ryan, Erica (Dan) Robarge, Tiffany (Brandon) Baker, Amy (Jeffrey) Rohdy, and Ajalyn (Sam) Behnfeldt; and 13 great-grandchildren, Levi (Alyssa) and Collin Robarge; Desi Garcia, Carter and Bailey Rohdy; Brynn and Alexa Baker; Ally Reed; Makayla Sheehan; and Silas, Nehemiah, Everleigh and Ellamae McNeal; and one great-great-grandchild, Daniel Robarge.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents, brother Bernard Ryan, sisters Joanne Davis and Kathleen Homer, and daughter-in-law Wendy Ryan.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025, 2 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home, 529 Jefferson Ave., Defiance with a Vigil service at 2 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance, with Father David Cirata officiating. Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the CHP Hospice Center, or to St. Mary's Food Pantry. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
He was born in Defiance, Ohio on April 22, 1925, to the late John T. and Frances M. (Moser) Ryan. Bob was a 1943 graduate of Jewell High School and president of his senior class. He enlisted in the US Army in October 1944 and served as a sergeant in Company B, 35th Infantry Regiment during World War II. He served in the South Pacific and the Philippine Islands, and spent 13 months in Japan as part of the occupational forces until his discharge in November 1946. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with another Bronze Battle Star, the Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
On April 22, 1950, he married Patricia Ann Hoeffel and together they raised six children. They celebrated 67 years together until Pat's death in 2017.
He worked as a tool polisher at S-K Hand Tools for 43 years until his retirement in 1990. He also helped his father and brother Bernard work the family farm off Shawnee Drive. His love for farming extended into many years of Sunday afternoon rides in the country checking the fields around the area.
He was an avid fan of the Defiance Bulldogs, watching home and away football, basketball and baseball games for nearly 60 years. He was often found at Maag's afterwards enjoying a beef sandwich and a beer with Chuck Hazelton, Wayne Wallace and Kenny Harris. He was also known for walking 3-4 miles a day for many years which doctors felt contributed to his longevity and good health.
Bob was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance. He and Pat were original members of the St. Mary Noodle Club.
He thoroughly enjoyed conversing with anyone and everyone at family reunions, family gatherings, weddings, graduations, anniversaries and other social events.
Bob is survived by his children, Karen (Michael) Sauber of Shelby, North Carolina; Rebecca (Anthony) Saxton, Timothy (Deborah) Ryan, Mark Ryan, Edward (Theresa) Ryan and Bruce (Julia) Ryan, all of Defiance; and sister, Mary L. (Jack) Schriner, of Defiance. Bob also adored his 9 grandchildren, Jennifer (Ronnie) Coleman, Nathan (Jessica) Sauber, Kristin (Jerry) Reed, Elisha (Joel) McNeal, Emilee Ryan, Erica (Dan) Robarge, Tiffany (Brandon) Baker, Amy (Jeffrey) Rohdy, and Ajalyn (Sam) Behnfeldt; and 13 great-grandchildren, Levi (Alyssa) and Collin Robarge; Desi Garcia, Carter and Bailey Rohdy; Brynn and Alexa Baker; Ally Reed; Makayla Sheehan; and Silas, Nehemiah, Everleigh and Ellamae McNeal; and one great-great-grandchild, Daniel Robarge.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents, brother Bernard Ryan, sisters Joanne Davis and Kathleen Homer, and daughter-in-law Wendy Ryan.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025, 2 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home, 529 Jefferson Ave., Defiance with a Vigil service at 2 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance, with Father David Cirata officiating. Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the CHP Hospice Center, or to St. Mary's Food Pantry. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Crescent-News on Nov. 18, 2025.
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