William P. Ryan, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Born in Boston on May 10, 1936, he was the son of the late Edmond and Helen (Scannell) Ryan. He was raised in the West Roxbury area of Boston and graduated from Cathedral High School with the Class of 1954.
Following his graduation, Bill took a lineman's position with the New England Telephone Company. A few years later, in 1957, Bill enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, proudly serving his country with the First Coast Guard District. He was stationed in Portland, Maine at Cook Inlet, earning the rank of Quartermaster Petty Officer 3rd Class. Upon his honorable discharge in March of 1959, he returned to the telephone company, working as an installer.
Bill married his beloved wife, Maureen S. Buckley, on April 20, 1963 in Saint Theresa's Church in West Roxbury. The young couple made their home in Walpole, Massachusetts, where they welcomed two children, Shawn and Tracy. Bill's career continued to grow with the telephone company, eventually moving his way up to foreman before his retirement in 1993.
In his retirement, Bill became an active citizen of his community in Walpole. He served as a representative to town meeting (RTM) for many years and was elected to Board of Selectmen, serving as chairman for several years. Bill was also a member of the board for the Walpole Food Pantry and had served as the president. As a devout Catholic, Bill served on the board of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at Blessed Sacrament Church.
While home was in Walpole, Bill looked forward to spending the warm summer months on the Cape at his home in Dennisport. As an avid fire buff, Bill belonged to many fire clubs in the area, venturing out to see what others had in their collections. Most of all, he loved being at home, surrounded by his family and closest friends.
Beloved husband of Maureen S. (Buckley) Ryan.
Loving father of Shawn P. Ryan and his wife, Angela, of Walpole and Tracy A. Ryan and her husband, Brian Koelbel, of Osterville.
Cherished grandfather of Devin Ryan and Bridget Ryan.
Brother of the late Edmond Ryan and John Ryan.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Bill's visitation on Sunday, December 26, 2021 from 2 to 5 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.
All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Monday, December 27, 2021 at 9:30 AM, prior to Bill's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either: Saint Vincent de Paul Society, c/o Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole, MA 02081 or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611.
Sunday, December 26, 2021
2:00 - 5:00 pm (Eastern time)
James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home
Monday, December 27, 2021
Starts at 10:30 am (Eastern time)
Blessed Sacrament Church
Visits: 9
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors