Ryan J. Cresswell

Ryan J. Cresswell, 19, of North Easton, MA was born on May 18, 2006 in Brockton, MA. On the afternoon of February 24, 2026, our worlds were forever changed as he unexpectedly left us as the result of an undetected brain bleed. Brain AVM awareness

He was a recent 2024 graduate of Oliver Ames High School and was currently enrolled in his sophomore year at Bridgewater State University majoring in Theatre Education.

Ryan lived his life as though it were his own personal stage. His passion for theatre began young when introduced to Mary Gray and her husband George at Easton Children's Theatre, now Easton Collaborative Theatre, directed by Liana Gorman. His passion for theatre, voice and dance only grew and expanded through his multiple years of study and performances with Capachione School of Performing Arts. Under the direction and guidance of Teresa Capachione, Tara Morrison, Cheralyn Jean, Laurie Peckham, Stefani Wood , Eli Bigelow, Jillee St. Martin and so many countless others he grew and excelled. Through the years, you could find him running spotlights, assisting backstage or any task needed with both Easton Collaborative Theatre and Un-Common Theatre Company. His proudest moment was his most recent appearance as "Ricky" in Ride the Cyclone with Curtain Call Theatre in Braintree, MA. His cast-mates and creative team under the direction of Toni Ruscio were second to none. As the baby of the cast, he was welcomed with open arms by all and was happy to be the designated driver, if needed.

Ryan was so incredibly loved by his parents, John and Sara. From the moment he came into this world we knew he was destined to make his presence known and leave his imprint on this world and that he did. His younger sister, Drew, was his everything. She was his biggest and loudest cheerleader, supporter, nail technician and anything else under the sun. Most importantly, she was his best friend. They shared a bond that can not be captured in words. To see them together was pure joy.

He leaves behind his grandmother, Babe Cresswell, and the late Jack Cresswell of Stoughton, MA. His great-grandmother, Jean McCourt and the late Jack McCourt of Bridgewater, MA. His Aunt, Jodi Cresswell, and partner, Robbie Blau, and his cousin, John Cresswell, III, all of Stoughton, MA. His grandparents, Frank and Donna Gustafson, of Falmouth, MA. His great-grandmother, Constance "Connie" DiRusso, and the late Louis "Lou" DiRusso of Stoughton, MA. His Uncle/Godfather, Jarrod Gustafson, Aunt, Andrea Lusardi, and his cousins, Mia and Angelina Gustafson, all of Easton, MA. His Aunt, Jana Amoroso, and his cousins Bobby and Louis Amoroso, all of Easton, MA.

He was living his best life ever with his best friends and roommates, Abbie Malefatto, Dory Bowen and Max Gillis. Their time, and our money, was well spent on countless trips to Five Below, Panera, Taco Bell, Chilis, Target, Dunkin Donuts and Boundless Bean. The auditions, the car rides, the karaoke, shopping trips, slumber parties with Mo. There is too much to capture it all but he was here for all of it.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 5th from 4-8 pm at Kane Funeral Home, 605 Washington Street, Easton, MA.

In lieu of flowers, we would like any and all donations to be made to the theatre department at Bridgewater State University in Ryan's memory. Details are currently being worked out by the wonderful, Emmett Buhmann. Emmett was Ryan's mentor, friend, professor and advisor on campus and during his time with Capachione School of Performing Arts. Any and all questions can and will be handled by him at ebuhmann@bridgew.edu.

Ryan leaves us with a few of his lyrics from his final performance at Capachione School of Performing Arts:

"I'm not afraid of stopping, this end could be my start.

I want to live a life and not just play a part.

I'll walk into the sunset, I'll sail across the sea,

the final word the last you'll hear of me, of me…

is GOODBYE."

Goodbye from Catch Me If You Can,

Written by Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman