William J. "Bill" Ryan

William J. “Bill” Ryan, 94, a longtime resident of Conneaut, passed away Tuesday August 27, 2019 at the Otterbein in Perrysburg.  He was born May 5, 1925 in Erie, PA the son of William M. and Elizabeth (Farrell) Ryan.

Bill served in the US Navy during WWII as an Electronics Technician’s Mate First Class before being honorably discharged.  He received a bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering at Case Institute of Technology.

Bill was an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Technology Department at Kent State University Ashtabula Campus where he was a longtime chairperson of the Department.

He was a member of the Corpus Christi Parish in Conneaut. Former member of the Conneaut Rotary, Ward 2 Councilman, Planning Commission, Charter Commissions and the Zoning Board.

Bill worked as a radar technician on the Great Lakes freighters. This work inspired a life-long hobby of following the freighters both at the dock in Conneaut and throughout the Great Lakes. A high point for him was a trip on a freighter with his son Joe in 2011.

He enjoyed golfing, bowling, reading, playing bridge and loved a nice glass of beer, wine or whiskey. He was a longtime fan of the Indians attending games starting in League Park in the 1930’s, then Municipal Stadium and Progressive Field.

Survivors include his children, Thomas (Deborah) Ryan of Summerville, SC, Joseph (Rosemary) Ryan of Milan, MI and Kathryn (Keith) Lewis of Perrysburg; grandchildren, Jesse, Rachel (Patrick) Brickman, Kelsey, Austin, Sarah and Daniel (Debby) Lewis; greatgrandchildren, Emma, Lyla; and Anna.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rose Ryan; and a brother Thomas F. Ryan.

Funeral service will be held 12:00 Noon Tuesday September 3, 2019 at the Marcy Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., where the family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until time of service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow in City Cemetery in Conneaut.

Contributions may be made to the APL or to the Ashtabula Maritime Museum.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Please sign the guestbook at marcyfuneralhome.com

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