Richard J. Ryan, Sr.

Shelburne Falls- Richard J. Ryan, Sr., 78, of 93 Mechanic St., passed away Friday, August 26, 2022 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

He was born in Greenfield on July 23, 1944 the son of Elizabeth (Call) Whitman and Martin Ryan. He grew up in Greenfield and graduated from Greenfield High School. Following high school he served in the US Air Force.

On July 9, 1966 Richard was married to Jo-Ann (Tatro), together for over 56 years.

Richard was employed as a machinist, retiring from the Lamson & Goodnow Company.

In his retirement years he discovered an appreciation for the game of poker. He loved to play whenever he could and became better at it as time went by. He was a die-hard fan of the NY Yankees, NY Giants and Boston Bruins. He also enjoyed playing pool. He could be seen in his neighborhood walking his beloved dog Sadie Jo

He cherished his family at every moment. His sense of humor and personality kept them all smiling and laughing. He was most happy when the family got together at his home on Saturday afternoons or when they went out to eat as a family.

Richard was loved by many and will be missed. His family will truly miss his smile and the way he lit up a room, his daily poker games and doing his skits with his daughter Tricia.

Survivors include his wife Jo-Ann, his  five children; Tammy (Eugene) Howes of Greenfield, twins Richard J. Ryan, Jr. of Shelburne Falls and Tracy Hill of Buckland, Robert Ryan and fiancé Kim Wickline of Greenfield, and Tricia (Richard) Bennett of Hampton, NH, grandchildren; Stephanie, Kayla, Chelsea, Brandon, Evan, Kallie and Maddie, great grandchildren; Lydia, Charlotte, James, Mason, Makenzie, Aubrey and Axel, a brother Arthur Whitman of Vermont, sister Sandra (Charles) Woods of Greenfield, sister Kathy (John) Hoffman of Shelburne Falls, nieces, nephews and friends.

A visiting hour will be held Thursday, Sept. 1, from 10 am to 11 am at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial services will follow in Arms Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Eagle’s hall at the conclusion of the services.

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