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BORN
1932
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Timothy Ryan Obituary
Brattleboro, VT - Timothy J. "Tim" Ryan, Jr., 83, of Brattleboro, VT, passed away September 4, 2016 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He joined his beloved wife, Bonita "Bonnie" (Vaughan), whom he married on August 18, 1956. Together they are dancing in heaven.
Tim was born on November 12, 1932 to Timothy and Rose (Sprague) Ryan. He has been the amazing father of two daughters, Cathy (and her husband Paul Kelley) and Cory (and her husband Kevin Dougherty), and one son Timothy J. Ryan, III (and his wife Marnie). Tim also leaves behind 5 grandchildren: Paul, Ryan and Allison Kelley; Timothy J. Ryan, IV and Shea Ryan and his adorable great-grandson, Levi Ryan.
Tim also is survived by a long-time partner, Diane Bassett and her children Doug and Elizabeth and an aunt and cousins.
Tim was raised and educated in Brattleboro and a proud member of the class of 1950.
He went on to attend Arnold College/University of Bridgeport where he earned his BS degree in Education. Tim continued his education and received his Master's degree from Southern Connecticut State University. In 1954 Tim served in the US Army stationed in Furth Germany until his honorable discharge in 1956.
Tim was a beloved physical education teacher and coach who dedicated his life to his students and players, many of whom Tim has made life-long friends. Tim taught/coached at Brattleboro Union High School, Bellows Falls (VT) High School and at the Norwich Free Academy (CT). Tim found joy working summers at the Seaside Regional Camp for individuals with special needs.
While at BFHS his basketball teams won five Southern Vermont League Championships with an overall record of 160-55. He also coached American Legion Baseball (Post #37) in Bellows Falls winning the state championship in 1965 and State Runner-Up for the 1966 season.
While at NFA, his teams excelled winning several championships with an overall record of 162-85 for eleven seasons. He retired from Norwich Free Academy in June of 1992.
Tim's awards and achievements include, Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Coach of the Year, Jack O'Keefe Memorial Award, Norwich Sports Hall of Fame, Norwich Sportsman of the Year, Norwich Free Academy Basketball Hall of Fame, and Bellows Falls High School Hall of Fame.
In addition, he was the recipient of the Norwich American Legion, Post 4, Legion Child Welfare & Athletic Program Award, the Distinguished Citizens Award, and the Community Service Award.
The records and accomplishments that Tim has achieved are remarkable however more importantly the relationships that he has developed will be carried in his heart forever.
Tim was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club, the BPOE Elks Brattleboro #1499, Fraternal Order of Eagles #2445, Moose Lodge #950, American Legion Post #5, VFW Post #1034, and Knights of Columbus #917. He was also a life time member of the Connecticut and Vermont High School Coaches Association.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 10th at Saint Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, Vt. Burial with full military honors will follow in Saint Michael's Parish Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his wife Bonnie.
A celebration of Tim's life will be held at the Elks in Brattleboro on Saturday at 1:00 pm.
Friends may call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Friday from 6-8 pm.
In lieu of flowers; Memorial contributions in Tim's name may be made to: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Oncology Department, 17 Belmont Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301 or the Alzheimer's Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 120, Williston, VT 05495.
To sign an online guestbook with messages of e-condolence please visit www.atamaniuk.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Ryan
Sponsored by Atamaniuk Funeral Home, Inc..
Rich Serafin
September 5, 2020
To the Ryan Family
We will forever remember Tim and his memory will always remain in our hearts. We shared so many precious times together, many of which became so meaningful in our lives. Tim was a giving and sharing human being in so many ways and he touched so many during his prolific life along with his many noteworthy accomplishments as a coach, educator and yes, a humanitarian. We remember the countless times when we were with him that an individual, former player, parent, admiring fan or friend took special opportunity to shake his hand or give him a hug in appreciation for a part that he played in making their own or someone in their lives better. Certainly, all our lives were greatly enriched by knowing Tim and Bonnie. We will always cherish that friendship and those "special" memories!
Rick and Betsy Serafin
Sons, Mike and Doug
Dave Fanning
September 1, 2020
Tim had a big heart and a broad smile. He enjoyed a good laugh and was kind to all that knew him. A gentleman and good person.
October 13, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the Ryan family.
The Members and Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1523, Putnam, CT
September 18, 2016
To Tim, Cathy and Corey. We were very saddened to hear about the loss of your father. While many will remember him as a great coach and motivator, which he was, he will, also, be remembered as an inspiring individual and, especially, a great friend. We appreciate having your father and mother making us a big part of their lives and will forever remember all the good times together and the friendship we shared. While we left Norwich some 25 or so years ago, we were fortunate to have gotten to see your father one last time on our recent June visit. We will treasure that meeting forever. He "touched" us as he did many people but his memory will long endure. You all were fortunate to have him with you over the years and share in such a legacy. May he rest in peace!
September 15, 2016
Seeing his picture took me back , its exactly as I remembered him, such a good man. The quintessential coach. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Lynne Eccleston Valente
Barry Rita
September 12, 2016
My condolences to coach Ryan's family. I think I first met him at an elementary school level basketball league played in the "old" NFA Gym on Saturday mornings. That went a long way in instilling in me a love for sports in general and basketball specifically.
Sarette Williams
September 10, 2016
Tim, was an incredible and joyful man with a huge heart. My sincerest and deepest condolences to his family. He was my manager when as a young aduIt, I worked as a camp counselor at the day camp for special needs youth, an extension of services sponsored by Seaside Regional Center. I considered him a mentor and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God's peace.
September 10, 2016
To the Ryan family:
I am sadden to hear about the loss of your dad. The record shows your dad was simply the best . His coaching style his determination and his positive impact he had on all of his students will never be forgotten. I was grateful to have known him and have him as a gym teacher he left a very positive impact on us all, Till we meet again Tim god bless you as you so deserve. Terry Brennan NFA class of 80
September 10, 2016
I was saddened to hear of Tim's passing. We shared many funny moments in Norwich over the years especially about basketball, the UConn Huskies and his thoughts of Coach Calhoun. My prayers and sympathies are with you on this day.
Dr. Dennis Cambria
faye bishop
September 9, 2016
My prayers are with all of the family of Mr. Ryan's. I always enjoy seeing him and talking . He will be missed .
Faye"Midge"Bishop,Brattleboro,Vt,
September 9, 2016
Most sincere sympathy to the Ryan Clan. Coach Ryan changed our lives. He showed us the fire and what we should expect from ourselves. Everything that followed flowed from this understanding.
Rest in peace Coach. Robert J Bundy
dennis riley
September 9, 2016
I extend condolences to Tim, Jr., Cathy and Corey...your father was one of the great coaches in NFA history--a hard worker in the fullest measure of those words...he molded his NFA teams defensively to take advantage of Norton gym's boundaries in a unique and productive style...a great guy in maany ways...I immensely enjoyed being a part of the WICH broadcast team for his games...many wonderful post game memories...
Bud Avdevich
September 9, 2016
Ryan Family,
Through working sporting events as a Norwich police officer, and the Elks club, I knew Tim well. He had confided with me about Mrs. Ryan's sudden onset of illness and how devastated he was. Tim was an unforgettable, easy-flowing humanitarian. Over the years I'd think about him, wondering where he was. Now he is in God's hands. God bless such a wonderful person. Condolences on his passing.
Jim (toucan) Lecara
September 8, 2016
To the family of Coach Ryan, my heartfelt condolences. You will be in my prayers.
Daniel Glenney
September 8, 2016
A unique personality has left us. He was fearless and dogmatic in coaching style. He was no nonsence in his approach and loyal to a fault. He was the best coach I have experienced. Some of my greatest memories were created through his talents.
Dan Glenney NFA '74
Jeannie Amado
September 8, 2016
So sad to see this. What an amazing coach and man. I will never forget the great games Mr Ryan coached in the old Norton Gym. My deepest condolences to his children, family and friends. RIP Mr. Ryan.
Jeannie Amado
Class of "79"
The Staff of Atamaniuk Funeral Home
September 8, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Rick Farnham
September 7, 2016
Men like Tim Ryan and Andy Natowich inspired hundreds of their student-athletes to become better people more so than better athletes. Their demeanor was a reflection of what it takes to be successful in life and they passed it on to each student. Tim was always grateful for the relationships developed through sport and his caring nurtured such for long years after playing days were over!Myself and many others are fortunate to have Tim in our lives from the time we were elementary students. God bless you and your family.
Dave Fanning
September 7, 2016
Tim epitomized what is good about America and it's Patriots. All around respected and admired by his friends and students. RIP, Tim. Dave Fanning
Eric C. Marine
September 7, 2016
I am so sorry for his loss.
Rosemary Haselton
September 7, 2016
NEVER A BAD WORD ABOUT ANYONE; ALWAYS A SMILE TO MAKE THE DAY BRIGHTER; A GOOD FRIEND TO ALL HE MET AND KNEW; THAT'S HOW I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER TIM!
RIP MY FRIEND AND FLY WITH THE ANGELS, HEAVEN'S GAIN IS OUR LOSS!
Terry Martin
September 7, 2016
My Deepest Condolences to Family and Diane concerning the Passing of our beloved Coach Ryan as you mourn in this most deep Valley of Life.
Vice President
Classof1961.org
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