NEW LONDON -- Roger Henry Ryan, 75, died Sept. 30, 2009, at his home.
He was born in Claremont, March 1, 1934, to Fred and Marion (Horton) Ryan. He graduated from Stevens High School in Claremont in 1952 and attended Tufts University.
He spent more than 50 years as a life insurance underwriter, specializing in retirement and estate planning. He was successful in his own business for many years and most recently was affiliated with William Rowett Jr. and William Rowett III in Claremont and New London.
During his career, he achieved several professional designations, including chartered life underwriter and chartered financial consultant. He was a member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and served in leadership positions in many religious, professional, fraternal and community organizations.
IN HIS LIFE: He married the love of his life, Carolyn Chase, on Sept. 26, 1953. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Sharon Braly and husband, Scott, of Exeter, Mary Noviello and husband, James, of Winchester, Mass., and Martha Papas and husband, Theo, of Andover, Mass.; five grandchildren, Alan Braly of Boston, Lauren (Braly) Heal of Epping, Jonathan Papas of Andover, Mass., David Papas of Andover, Mass., and Kathryn Troiano of Woburn, Mass.; one brother, Harry Ryan and wife, Claire, of Charlestown; one sister, Dorothy Luce and husband, Arthur, of Claremont; and numerous nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by older brother, William Ryan.
He was a great friend to all and his passion was in finding a connection with everyone he met. He shared his wisdom, generosity and humor, always quick with a joke or story.
He and his wife traveled the world with family and friends. A man of varied interests, he was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice and sang with several church choirs and barbershop quartets. He enjoyed expressing himself through painting, was an avid sports fan, and a big supporter of Colby Sawyer athletics.
SERVICES: The family will receive visitors at the Chadwick Funeral Service, 235 Main St., New London, Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. A celebration of life service will be at First Congregational Church, 72 Pleasant St., Claremont, Sunday at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the downstairs Fitch Hall.
Memorial donations be made to American Diabetes Association, 249 Canal St., Manchester 03101; Claremont Soup Kitchen, PO Box 957, Claremont 03743; or KLS Community Food Pantry, PO Box 336, New London 03257.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Catherine Rivard
October 25, 2009
Dear Mary & Martha,
So sorry to hear of your Dad's death. I have been unsuccessful at finding you on line to send you both sympathy cards. My sympathies to you both.
--Catherine A. Rivard
October 8, 2009
Carolyn & Family,
So sorry to hear of Roger's passing. I'm so glad that I came to know you both through your travels.
Janet McGray
Don Silk
October 7, 2009
Just a few weeks ago I had the privilege of getting to know Roger while sharing several meals with him at the the Northeast Planning Firm meeting. We became fast friends as he entertained with business stories and several jokes. Roger was a gentleman and a class act. I know that NPA has lost a great fellow and I can't imagine the loss that Roger's family is feeling. My deepest condolenses to all.
Brian Grodman
October 6, 2009
I knew Roger fairly well from 1988-1998. He was instrumental in convincing me that working in an insurance company environment was stifling my personal growth and achievments. Whatever success I have achieved in twenty years as an independent financial planner is, in part, due to Roger. I know he will be missed by family and friends and his memory cherished by all.
Theo Papas
October 5, 2009
Roger Ryan. A heart of gold always. A Loving husband (60yrs) Father (50yrs), Grandfather (30yrs), Educator, Benefactor and Artist. Roger was an artist who helped create a masterpiece with Carolyn. One not of brillant colors, nor skillfull brushsrokes nor complex patterns. But a masterpiece of eight wonderful individuals: Sharon, Mary, Martha, Alan, Lauren, Jonathan, David and Katie. They collectively illustrate the brilliance of Roger & Carolyn's Masterpiece.
Richard Rodgers
October 4, 2009
Dear Carolyn and Family. You know what a special relationship we had over the years. I remember Roger's determination to sell me life insurance. Frequent attempts to discourage him did not work. Our friendship over the past 47 years has meant a lot to me. My sincere sympathy to you and the girls. Wish I could have been there for the celebration of his life. Best regards
John and Tracey MacKenna
October 3, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carolyn and family. Roger has been a dear friend for many, many years. His advice, wisdom and jokes that he passed on to our employees and us will live on. We will all miss Roger in the restaurant with his quick smile and kind words.
Aila Wenger
October 3, 2009
I loved when Roger did Benny the 'bug' with me and i taught him itsy bitsy 'pider' but he always needed help. i will miss him.
October 2, 2009
Old blue eyes had nothing on Roger. His music will be in our memories and he sure "Did It His Way" Our thoughts are headed your way.
Marion Stone, Thomaston Maine
Kathy Stone, Litchfield, Maine
Sherry & John Gregory, Litchfield,Maine
Tom & Sheryl Tonioli-Pierce
October 2, 2009
From the day I met Roger 25 years ago he was always there with great stories, friendly advice and support. His warmth and spirit made him a very special person. Sheryl and I will miss him dearly.
Samuel Wenger
October 2, 2009
Roger was so much fun and he always made his time with my children very special. They will always remember him. He was the kind of person that was more interested in others which is one of the reasons he was so fun to be around. He will be greatly missed. We send our love, prayers, and support to Carolyn and the family during this difficult time.
Cheryl Ramsay
October 2, 2009
To Roger's Family: My son, Kris Ramsay, was on the Colby Sawyer baseball team for 4 years, graduated in 2008. I can honestly say that Roger was loved by not only all the players and coaches, but also by all the parents. We all loved that he was always looking out for the boys, whether they were in Florida or New England. He was a dear man and certainly will be missed by all in his community and also afar. I am so sorry for your loss and I'm sorry for the boys on the CSC baseball team who will not have the opportunity to get to know Roger.
God's Blessings,
Cheryl Ramsay
October 2, 2009
We will miss Roger - I loved seeing him at the Post office every day - he always had a joke and a smile for me! Bob & I remember will always appreciate him and the way he treated us when we were a young family just starting out! Our sympathies go to his family. Take care - Bob & Linda Jackman - New London NH
Robert & Ann Beauman
October 2, 2009
Roger will be in our memories forever for his kind heartedness and quick jokes. Bob has very fond menories from early childhood trough High School, and after, We both send Our Sincere Sympathy and Prayers to Carolyn & Family for their great loss.
Bob & Ann
Kathryn Goodrich-Hanson
October 2, 2009
I wish you comfort and love from family and friends and I hope this support will ease your sorrow during this difficult time. I am thinking of all of you with great love as you showed me when my Mom passed!!
Tom Whyte
October 2, 2009
Roger always brought a smile to our faces at Northeast Planning. We will miss him, especially at our quarterly meetings. God bless Roger and his family
Bill Rowett III
October 2, 2009
Roger's incredible spirit will live on through the countless friends he touched throughout his extraordinary life. His accomplishments were unmatched in business, but his greatest and most dear success was his wonderful family. He leaves us with pricless stories, jokes, and memories, but life will not be the same without him. We love you Rog. God bless you my friend.
Bill Rowett III
October 2, 2009
Roger's spirit will live on through the countless friends and he touched throughout his extraordinary life. His accomplishments in business were unmatched, but his family was his greatest success. He leaves us with priceless stories and memories, but life will not be the same without him. We love you Rog. God bless.
Vickie Tyminski
October 2, 2009
Roger was a kind and generous soul who brought smiles to the faces of all who knew him. He shall forever remain in our hearts and our memories.
God bless you and keep you my dear friend.
Michael Hartman
October 2, 2009
Roger will be greatly missed by all of us at Northeast Planning Associates. Roger was a true gentleman and professional and had a great sense of humor. My father, Jack Hartman of Dunedin, FL who has known Roger since the early days in the Insurance business sends his condolences, prayers and thoughts as well. We pray for the good Lord's peace and blessings on your family at this time of loss.
Kathy Selvaggio
October 1, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I have only fond childhood memories of Roger Ryan and so we send our condolences to those in his family. Kathy Lane Selvaggio of Claremont NH, now residing in Alaska. God Bless!
The Staff of Chadwick Funeral Service
October 2, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Funeral services provided by:
Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC - New London235 Main Street P.O. Box 68, New London, NH 03257

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