Ryan Paul Pluchino

Ryan Paul Pluchino
May 31, 1989 – December 26, 2025
Ryan Paul Pluchino entered this world weighing just 4 pounds, 9 ounces, and left it as a big guy-standing 6 feet 1 inch tall-with an even bigger heart.
Ryan was born on May 31, 1989, in Toledo, Ohio, to Paul Angelo Pluchino and Shelly (Dunne) Pluchino. From the very beginning, he held a uniquely special place in his family as the only grandchild on both his maternal and paternal sides, a role that surrounded him with love and pride.
Like his father, Ryan had a deep love for comic books, especially Marvel and its many superheroes. He was also a true movie enthusiast, able to recite lines effortlessly and tell you exactly who starred in which film. From a young age, Ryan expressed himself through drawing, most often bringing superheroes to life on paper. His parents happily supplied him with reams of copy paper to fuel his creativity and imagination.
Ryan also had unmistakable style and a wonderful flair for self-expression. He loved to dress for the occasion and could often be found at dances wearing his signature top hat or a pair of fun, crazy socks-always bringing smiles and showcasing his unique personality.
Ryan was an active and proud Special Olympics athlete, participating in basketball, poly hockey, track and field, and bocce ball. He lived by the Special Olympics oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Ryan embodied those words daily, facing the challenges of muscular dystrophy with courage, determination, and grace.
Ryan graduated from Roosevelt High School and the Jo Brighton Skill Center. Throughout his education, he was shaped and supported by many dedicated and compassionate educators, including Rodney Hopper, Mrs. Seel, Mrs. Lukowitz, Mr. Semetko, and Mrs. Gibson, among others, who left a lasting impression on his life. His most influential teacher, however, was his stepfather, Ronnie Reichlin. A former educator himself, Ronnie shared a special bond with Ryan and was patient, intuitive, and deeply supportive, helping Ryan grow, learn, and thrive in countless ways. Ryan also taught him a few things too.
After graduating from Jo Brighton Skills Center, Ryan proudly became a baker at the MI Cookie Project, where he found his second family. This loving and inclusive community meant the world to him and to his family. One of Ryan's proudest moments was handing out business cards with his name listed as one of the bakers, always adding with a smile, "We deliver." Another role that meant a great deal to Ryan was volunteering for Flat Rock's Senior Shopping Days. With joy and purpose, he helped senior citizens load their groceries on and off the bus, always eager to lend a hand and brighten someone's day.
Ryan was a loving and gentle soul who always thought of others. Through him, his mother was introduced to an extraordinary community of children and adults with special needs-one filled with compassion, strength, connection, and unwavering support.
Ryan was preceded in death by his father, Paul Angelo Pluchino, who also lived with muscular dystrophy; his grandparents Angelo and Mary Pluchino; his uncle Philip Pluchino; and his grandfather Gary Dunne.
He is survived by his mother, Shelly (Dunne) Pluchino Reichlin, and stepfather, Ronnie Reichlin; his grandmother Sharon Dunne; his aunt Sandy (Dunne) Hamdin and Uncle Ali Hamdin; and his extended family through his mother's marriage to Ronnie: Aaron and Marianne Reichlin and their children Noah, Talia, Eleanor, and Annie; Rachel Reichlin and Jay Pike and their children Avi and Sydney; and Joshua and Megan Reichlin.
A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 am with visitation to begin at 10:00 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to MI Cookie Project, ARC Downriver, or Faith Lutheran Church.
Ryan's life was a gift, his love was pure, and his spirit will live on in all who were blessed to know him. Not all superheroes wear capes.