April 22, 1944 ~ January 20, 2025

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William B. Ryan, 80, died January 20, 2025 at Beverly Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Pearl River, NY on April 22, 1944, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Burton) Ryan. He was raised and educated in Peabody and Danvers and was a graduate of Holten High School.

Bill was employed by the Town of Danvers with the department of public works and later as a firefighter, serving from his appointment in 1971 until his retirement in 1988. He loved his time on the fire department and was especially proud to have been be a founding member of the union. He also worked for many years as a landscaper, painter, and in construction.

He was a member of the Polish Club in Danvers and skiied with the Lawrencian Ski Club for many years. He always had a garden in the summer and enjoyed fishing and being outside. He was an avid reader and always had newspapers on his table.

Bill might best be remembered for his countless stories and vibrant re-tellings of hijinks and scrapes he got himself into. He had a sharp wit and was most happy when he could laugh at life.

He leaves a daughter, Margaret Bright-Ryan and her fiancé Stephen Wrobleski of Westfield, sons John Ambrose and his wife Kendell of Hamilton and Timothy Ryan and his partner Heather Forand of Boxford, and his grandchildren, James, Samantha, Liam, Scarlett, and Celia.

He was predeceased by his longtime companion, Maureen Oikle.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 10:00AM in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours are Monday from 4:00PM to 7:00PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Danvers People-to-People Food Pantry, PO Box 2076, Danvers, MA 01923. To share an expression of sympathy with Bill’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com