Obituary of John B. Ryan

John Brendan Ryan, 77 of Duxbury, formerly of Roxbury, and Mission Hill, passed away on January 30, 2015. Loving husband, father, and grandfather. Pre-deceased by his wife Marie Bernadette (Eldridge) Ryan (2011). With the loss of his best friend and partner of 52 years, he courageously lived with Alzheimer’s, accepting and adjusting to the insurmountable challenges this devastating disease presented. With dignity and grace he allowed his children the privilege of caring for him until he ultimately surrendered. Survived by his six children, Lisa (Ryan) Burwell and her husband Gerald Burwell of Santa Rosa Beach, FL., John Ryanof Bridgewater, Ma, Laurie (Ryan) Crowley and her husband Robert Crowley of Peterborough, NH, Marianne (Ryan) Duffey and her husband Thomas Duffey of Duxbury, Ma, James Ryan and his wife Renee of Santa Rosa Beach, FL and Mark Ryan of Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Thirteen devoted grandchildren, Noah, Harrison and Francis Ryan, Amanda, Robert, John and Emma Crowley, Ryan Duffey, Meghan, Patrick, Abigail and Micah Ryan, Caleb Ryan. He is also survived by his sisters Joan (Ryan)Walkins, Norwell, Ma, Eileen (Ryan) Collins, Wellesley, Ma and his brothers Robert Ryan, Wellesley, Ma and Kevin Ryan, PuntaGorda, FL. He graduated from Mission High School in Roxbury, Ma, and proudly served in the Army Reserves. John began his career at the Boston Edison in Hyde Park, Ma, at age19 and continued as a loyal employee for 40 years. Starting as a lineman he worked in Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Roslindale and surrounding area for many years keeping the lights on through blizzards, hurricanes, snowstorms, and heatwaves. He later moved to the Mystic River Power Plant in Everett, MA, where he remained until his retirement in 1997. He loved his work at the Edison and valued the many close friends and brothers in the (IBEW), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. With his adventurous entrepreneurial spirit he followed his passion and started a side business as a Lobsterman. He captained his own boat and taught himself and his children the business, spending long and often treacherous days at sea. He thrived on the challenge and treasured his memories of early mornings in Duxbury Harbor. When not working he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren, skiing, biking, hiking, and traveling. He treasured the Boston Globe, reading it daily and all day on Sunday. He would challenge anyone who would listen to a political debate on local, or national politics. He spent his retirement years traveling to Florida to visit children and grandchildren, skiing in New Hampshire, and living in Ireland with his beloved wife, re-connecting with relatives, and fixing up the family home for future generations to enjoy. He left a wonderful legacy of devotion, dedication and loyalty to family. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 6th from 4-8:00 PM at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St, Kingston. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 7th at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Church in Duxbury. Interment will be private. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Mission Grammar School, 94 Saint Alphonsus Street, Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120 (617) 442-2660.