Timothy M. Ryan, Sr., 64, of Norwich passed away unexpectedly early Friday morning, November 25, 2016.
Tim was born at Chenango Memorial Hospital on February 15, 1952 to the late Richard A. Ryan and Patricia Manley Ryan. A lifelong resident of Norwich, Tim attended St. Paul’s Parochial School and Norwich High School, graduating from the latter in 1970. He lettered in track while excelling in the pole vault, and starred on the football (starting quarterback) and wrestling (133 lb. weight class) teams.
While sports were important, music was the passion and avocation that would occupy his attention throughout his life. Tim was a prolific musician, and while his primary instruments were guitar and bass, he could play banjo and even the drums or keyboard (in a pinch). As versatile as he was instrumentally, perhaps his greatest gift was as a singer, as anyone who ever heard his versions of “Mustang Sally” or “You Send Me” can attest. Beginning in high school, he began forming and joining bands that entertained thousands over the years including (but probably not limited to¬–knowing Tim): Bethenel Green, Tin Penny, Spider Webb and the Spinners, Grapefruit Sponge, Heliots, 7 Stories High, Panacea, Double Axle, Footloose, Chocolate Watch Band, The Sons of Ireland, The Bruce Beadle Band, and, most recently, The Ryan Clan. Whether it was casually in his living room or on stage at weddings, benefits or family parties, Tim’s guitar was never far from his grasp.
After high school, Tim attended SUNY Canton and earned an Associate’s degree in Banking, Insurance, and Real Estate in 1972. After a brief stint selling insurance, he began working with The Evening Sun as a pressman and held various jobs in the publication business, including circulation manager, darkroom manager, and ultimately pressroom manager. He had a keen and critical eye for the proper layout, color, and overall appearance of print media and prided himself on the pursuit of perfection.
On June 29, 1974 he married the love of his life, Mary Beth Paino, at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Norwich. During their 42 years of marriage, his proudest accomplishments were seeing all four children graduate from four-year universities, and then watching them marry four great people. He is survived by Mary Beth and those four children and their spouses: Sean (Elaine) of Richmond, VA, Tim (Carolyn) of Penfield, NY, Erin (Aaron) Gray of Cortland, NY, and Katelin (T.C.) Pellett of Rochester, NY.
Tim is also survived by his amazing mother, Pat Ryan. Among all the other hats he wore, Tim was the loyal and devoted eldest brother to a clan of 8 children, and all of his siblings survive: Dan (Patty) of Guilford, NY, Laurie Scranton (Bill) of Norwich, Patrick (Barb) of Norwich, Tom (Brenda) of Norwich, Molly Camadine (Dave) of Oxford, Rick (Faith) of Norwich, and Anne Anderson (Dave) of Norwich. In addition, many dozens of cousins, nephews, and nieces also survive.
Late in life, Tim undoubtedly gained the most fulfillment from helping to raise (and spoil) four beautiful grandchildren: Taylor, Jaxton, and Edward (Teddy) Ryan, and Gavin Gray. Some of Tim’s recent favorite moments include: a family trip to Ireland, golfing and hunting with his brothers, sons and nephews, family vacations to the Outer Banks, learning carpentry and electrical work, and enjoying retirement with his wife.
Tim could strike up a conversation with anyone, often leaving a lasting impression. He was a talented, intelligent soul, a loyal and dedicated friend, a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather whose contributions to the lives he touched can never be calculated. His loss will be felt by all of us who knew and loved him.
Calling hours will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home, 68 South Broad St., Norwich, NY on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from 4-7 P.M. A service of remembrance will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 11 A.M. at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to either the Chenango County Chapter of the SPCA, 6160 Co. Rd. 32, Norwich, NY 13815 or the Binghamton (Southern Tier) Chapter of the American Heart Association, 59 Court St., Binghamton, NY 13901.
Condolences may be sent to Tim’s family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.