Edward Thomas Ryan

Ryan, Col. Edward Thomas
ALBANY - Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, Ret., who lived at Executive House Apartments, 175 South Swan Street, Albany, N.Y. has died. Till his recent move, he was a lifelong resident of the City of Rensselaer. He was a brother to Rosemary, Cornelius, Joan, Bernadette and Joseph Ryan. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, Linda Sargent, Dennis Williams, Theresa Beach, George Williams, Warren Williams, Sharon Ryan, Kelly Blue, Joseph Ryan, Mary Jane Brozowski, Judith Leto, Daniel Dominski, Michael Dominski, Cathy Stammel, and Cornelius Ryan. He was a member of St. John's Church, Rensselaer. He was a retired Fireman in the City of Rensselaer. He was one of the owners and founders of radio station WHRL-FM, Albany, N.Y. Also, among his many talents, Mr. Ryan was a Chef at the East Greenbush, American Legion Post #1231.
Mr. Ryan had a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from North American University and a Bachelor of Science degree from SCU. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters. He was a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Past N.Y.S. Chairman of the Vietnam Veterans/Agent Orange Committee for the American Legion, a Past commander of Melvin Roads POST 1231, American Legion in East Greenbush, N.Y., Life member and Past Grand Knight of Rensselaer Knights of Columbus, and member of the BPOE and the Veterans of Foreign Wars POST# 7378, both in East Greenbush, N.Y. He was a retired Colonel with the 10th Brigade, located on South Lake Ave, N.Y.C.
A few of Colonel Ryan's awards, decorations and commendations include: The National Defense Service Medal, Defense of Liberty Medal "For participation to the State following the attack on America, 11 September 2001". He also received a citation by the direction of the Governor of the State of New York, and "The Conspicuous Service Medal" the citation reads in part, "Col Ryan's Loyalty, Diligence and Devotion to Duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and a long and distinguished Military career which reflect great credit upon himself and the State of New York." From the division of Military and Naval affairs, he received the "Commanders Citation" for "Service Above and Beyond the Call...."
As to his wishes, Mr. Ryan was enrolled in the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College. After their task is completed, his body will be cremated, and his ashes returned.
To the Family for Interment, He will be buried in Kinderhook, N.Y. The funeral will be private for Family only with no Memorial Services of any kind.
Edward wanted to share the following: "I must tell you one more thing. I was Gay all my life: thru grade school, thru High School, thru College, thru Life. I was in a loving and caring relationship with Paul Cavagnaro of North Greenbush. He was the love of my life. We had 25 great years together. Paul died in 1994 from a medical Procedure gone wrong. I'll be buried next to Paul. I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as Gay. I was afraid of being ostracized: by Family, Friends, and Co-Workers. Seeing how people like me were treated, I just could not do it. Now that my secret is known, I'll forever Rest in Peace."
"Uncle Ed" and family would like to thank the following for their kind, courteous, and professional manner: Albany Medical College, Altamont Home Delivered Meals, VA hospital staff, Landmark Health Care and the Albany Fire Department.

We would like give a special thank you to The Community Hospice. They were there for everything and were our backbone throughout it all.