THOMAS M. "TOMMY" RYAN

RYAN, Thomas M. "Tommy" Age 59, of Newton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, at home, on November 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 12, 1966, in Newton, he was the cherished son of the late James Alexander Ryan and Patricia Noel Ryan. A lifelong Newton resident, Tommy grew up in the community he loved and later raised his own family there. He graduated from Newton North High School, where he excelled in both hockey and lacrosse and served as captain of both varsity teams in his senior year, Class of 1984. He went on to play Division I hockey at Boston University from 1984 to 1988, serving as team captain in his senior season. Hockey remained a defining part of Tommy's life. He coached at the youth level, at Newton North High School and at Hingham High School,and later, served as an assistant coach at Babson College. For more than twenty years, he was a respected color analyst for Boston University Hockey broadcasts, sharing his insight, experience, and passion for the game with fans across New England. Professionally, Tommy was an owner and partner of James A. Ryan Insurance LLC, where he carried forward his family's legacy with integrity, reliability, and a deep commitment to serving others. Above all, Tommy was devoted to his family. He married the love of his life, Jill Michelle Casavant, in 1990 and together, they shared 35 years of marriage. He was a proud and loving father to their two sons, Thomas James "TJ" Ryan and Brendan Edward Ryan, who were truly the center of his world. Tommy rarely missed a game, a practice, or a moment that mattered, and he gave his family the gift of his time, his presence, and his unwavering support. Tommy is survived by his beloved wife, Jill; his sons, TJ and Brendan; and his siblings, Linda Maxwell, Jane and her husband, Michael Kuronen, Robert Ryan and his wife, Nicole, Mary E. Uberti and William Conner. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-law, Edward and Barbara Casavant; and his brother-in-law, John Casavant. He was predeceased by his sister, Sandra Conner; his sister-in-law, Margaret Schwall; his brother-in-law, William Uberti, Jr.; and by both of his parents. Tommy will be remembered as a steadfast, deeply loyal man with an exceptional sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, coach, and friend. His warmth, grounded presence, and the lasting impact he made on his family, his players, and the hockey community will never be forgotten. He showed up for the people he loved, stayed loyal through every season of life, and left behind a legacy built on love, humor, and character. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington Street, WEST NEWTON, MA. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m., at St. Bernard Church, 1523 Washington Street, West Newton, MA. Burke & Blackington BurkeFamilyFuneralHomes.com

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