John J Ryan Sr

John Joseph Ryan, known affectionately to all as Jack, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025. He was 89, and had been a longtime resident of Southington, CT.

Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, he was the devoted son of the late Mary Grady Ryan and William Ryan. After attending school in New Britain CT, Jack proudly served his nation in the U.S. Army. He then began a career in trucking that spanned over 50 years. His deep knowledge of the roads was legendary; his experience with trucking had given him an atlas in his brain, enabling him to provide directions to anywhere in the state without fail.

Following his long service in transportation, he transitioned to serving his community directly, working for the Southington School System as a head custodian. He took great pride in his work, always striving to improve the students' learning environments and treasuring the relationships he made with the staff.

Jack was defined by his extraordinary work ethic and a "can-do" spirit. These qualities made him a true master of all trades. Jack functioned not just as a homeowner, but as an engineer and master carpenter. He channeled these skills into the continuous renovation and improvement of his home, including replacing windows, building a large recreation room and deck. He was constantly tinkering in his elaborate work area, which doubled as a quasi-museum of ancient tools and old photos. His passion extended outdoors, where he meticulously maintained his yard, including a 60-foot stone wall he built at the age of 79 in the middle of summer. He took great pride in the ongoing job of landscaping, improving their yard, and could usually be found beautifying the area down by the pond.  He treasured the dozens of flowers that his late wife June loved, maintaining them with great pride. Among his hobbies were wonderful talents of drawing and wood carving. He also enjoyed reading.. particularly history and the poems of Robert Frost.

Jack was the beloved husband of the late June Culver Ryan, who predeceased him in March 2024.

He is survived by his loving children: John Ryan (Samar), Dale Noviaski (Mark), and Sharon Rachel Ryan. Jack also leaves behind two grandchildren, Lisabeth Menard and Chloe Wheeler Hegstad, and two great-grandchildren, Willow and Lane. He is survived by his brothers, Jim Ryan and Ed Ryan.

Jack was preceded in death by his sister, Eilene Gormly, and his brothers, William Ryan, Michael Ryan, and Tom Ryan.

We would like to thank the angels walking this earth at Jerome Home in New Britain. Our father was so very lucky to have been under their extraordinary care, and we are forever grateful.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Monday, November 24th, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at the Luddy - Peterson Funeral Home, 205 S. Main St, New Britain, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jack's name to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.