Ryan Patrick McBride

Ryan Patrick McBride, 41, Shelbyville, died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Monday, August 4, 2025. A native of Avon Lake, OH, he was the son of Traci McBride-Gabel and the late Michael William McGrath and raised with his mother and stepfather, Robert A. Gabel. Ryan lived life to the fullest with an energy level and zest for life that exceeded all standards. He graduated from Avon Lake High School, where he excelled as an athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. Ryan was so charming and the life of the party and had a delicious, quick wit and sense of humor. He relocated to Kentucky soon after high school and worked many part-time jobs so he could volunteer as a firefighter while studying to become a full-time firefighter and reached that goal for nine years at the Eastwood Fire Department, now renamed Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS. Years later, he co-founded Grim Industrial Services, LLC in Pleasureville, KY, with his best friend, Casey Adams, also of Pleasureville, KY. Ryan was the field foreman and held a Class A CDL driver's license. He specialized in environmental cleanup following accidents and spills, whether on the highway or in our waterways and was certified by the Coast Guard. Ryan was obsessed with children from the moment his daughter, Emily, was born. He loved baking with her, and they made a mean cupcake with sprinkles. Ryan taught his kids to build and manage a great fire pit and made the best s'mores. He did not just send his children out to play; Ryan went along, building fantastic memories with them. He enjoyed being outside with his kids at every age, from baby swings in the trees, strollers, first bikes, to riding big bikes, rock climbing, playing ball and even Emily's first car. He prided himself on teaching Kingston to be a grill master. Ryan had a grill-off with Kingston when his parents visited from Ohio on Memorial weekend, as we all celebrated Emily's high school graduation. He was so very proud of her. Ryan attended every school fair and fundraiser and was usually the highest bidder on the class project. Ryan's energy level rivaled that of his children when he played with them, taught them and was in constant communication. Ryan was Catholic by faith and prayed for those he cared about. Ryan stayed connected to his mother, often FaceTiming with the kids so she was able to see them grow. He teased his dad, and they talked about sports and guy things frequently. Over the years, Ryan would meet his parents halfway to drop off the kids to stay for a one-on-one grandparents' week in the summer. He was a great hugger and a powerful guy. Ryan was a "can-do" guy. Last year, our first family reunion was a huge success, and he was so much fun. He provided non-stop energy, keeping the party going while taking care of many tasks, playing with his kids and interacting with everyone. Ryan, in grade school, was the kid who stood up for the underdog-protecting a neighbor boy who was being bullied on the way to school. Ryan's grade school teacher told us that he named his firstborn son after Ryan because he was the coolest kid he had ever taught. He was a natural protector, later running into a burning building to save others as a firefighter. Ryan enjoyed sunsets and running the dogs with his love, Jessica Leemon. He was always hanging out with her kids, too, Natalie and Kaleb, as if they were his own. He liked challenging them to work out and go to the park. 'Gotta get some sun,' he would say. Ryan went along with her taking lots of pictures of him since she is a photographer, and Ryan was her muse. Ryan and Jessica were to be married in September on the same day we are now having his memorial – a heartbreaking and tragic ending to their romance. Ryan was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Maureen Elizabeth Middleton McBride Maxwell, Robert G. Maxwell and Dewitt Gabel. Survivors include his daughter, Emily Grace Maureen McBride of Taylorsville; his son, Kingston Walker Thomas McBride of Taylorsville; his fiancée, Jessica Leemon and her children, Natalie and Kaleb, of Shelbyville; his devoted mother, Traci McBride-Gabel, and the father, who raised him, Robert Allen Gabel of Avon Lake, OH; his younger brother, Mitchell McBride Gabel (Alexis) of Amherst, OH; his grandmother, Genevieve Gabel; his aunts, Kym McBride of Cincinnati, OH and Debby McBride (deceased 2024); his good friend and uncle, Robert G. Maxwell of Richfield, OH; his cousins, Raeley Maxwell, 24 of Athens, OH and Tessa Maxwell, 22 of Richfield, OH; Maureen McGrath of Lakewood, OH, his one niece and three nephews: Henry, 8; Oliver, 6; Genevieve, 4 and Benjamin Gabel, one-year-old and his very best friend and business partner, Casey Adams of Pleasureville. Cremation has been selected. A private memorial service will be held in September in Cincinnati, OH. Ryan's life ended far too soon in a tragic manner. The ending was a momentary emotional event that in no way reflected the outstanding young man, father, beloved son and business partner he was. Arrangements have been entrusted to Webb Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.webbfuneralhome.com.