Richard F. Ryan, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Warwick, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2019 in the presence of his loving family.
Richard was born in Pawtucket, RI on July 20, 1929 to the late James Thomas Ryan and Mary (Mullen) Ryan. He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Nancy Marie Ryan and his second wife Mary E. (Whiting) Ryan. Richard spent his childhood in Apponaug, RI, and graduated from La Salle Academy in 1947. He loved his studies, enjoyed basketball and played the drums in the La Salle Band. He then went on to Providence College graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. He enlisted in the U.S. Army where he proudly served 4 years during the Korean War era achieving a rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Richard enjoyed a 38-year career with the Upjohn Company while raising his family in Rhode Island. He was very active in the American Diabetes Association (ADA), RI Diabetes Association, Greater Boston Diabetes Association, and ADA New England Affiliate, where he served as past President and Chairman of the Board. In 1992, Richard retired from the Upjohn Company and settled in Naples, Florida, to his permanent residence at the Countryside Golf and Country Club.
His passion was playing tennis and in later years, golf. As a devoted New England Patriots and Red Sox fan, he very rarely missed a game. Richard loved to spend time with his friends and family watching sports and listening to a variety of music. The Boston Pops were among his favorite Orchestras. Long known for his positive attitude and desire to help others, Richard spent time volunteering at the American Diabetes Association, Kent County Hospital, CASA, Guardian ad Litem, and the Avow Hospice Services of Naples.
He is survived by his loving companion Ann Bounds, his sister, Joan Shannon (Ryan) Lakey and brother, James Thomas Ryan and his children, Patricia (Ryan) Freve, and her husband Albert Freve of Ft. Myers, FL, Susan Ryan of Middletown, RI, and Richard Ryan and his wife Kathleen (Capuano) Ryan of Harrisville, RI, three grandchildren, Daniel Freve and wife Sara Maaske, Lauren (Freve) Hanson and her husband Kevin, Christina (Ryan) Danue and her husband Jason, two great grandchildren, Alexandra and Samantha Danue and many nieces and nephews.
A Committal Service with military honors will be held at the Rhode Island Veterans’ Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Noon. Family and friends are kindly invited and may gather at the Cemetery’s Administration Building at 11:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in memory of Richard, to Avow Hospice of Naples, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 or at avowcares.org.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home, 800 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick. www.murphyfuneralhomes.org
