Joseph S. Ryan

Joseph S. Ryan, 80, of Cape Coral and formerly of Guilderland, N.Y., passed away at his home in Florida Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008.

Mr. Ryan, along with his twin brother John, was born on Christmas day 1927 and was the son of Francis X. and Maude C. (Richer) Ryan, now deceased. He attended Christian Brothers Academy and after high school entered the Marines. After his Marines service, he returned to Albany and married his high school sweetheart, Jean McCullough, his wife of 38 years.

He was employed by General Electric for over 35 years, retiring in 1989. He was also a member of the Schenectady 109th Air National Guard Unit, retiring with more than 25 years of service.

He spent his retirement years enjoying winters at his Florida home and summers in Guilderland. In 2005, he became a full-time Floridian. He was fortunate to share wonderful friendships both here and in Florida. His love of cars, electric tools and fix-it projects was legendary. He enjoyed traveling and boating with his wife Jean. After her passing, he continued these activities with his friends, adding riding his scooter and bowling to the list.

Mr. Ryan is survived by his daughter, Walda (Paul) St. Yves of Albany; his brother, Frank (Margie) Ryan of Albany; his grandchildren, Joel St. Yves of New York City and Stacy Baker of Portland, Ore.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Jean, and by his two brothers, Frederick and John Ryan.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Christ the King Church in Guilderland on Thursday, Oct. 30. Interment followed at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie.

For those who wish, contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Ryan to the American Lung Association, 155 Washington Ave., Suite 210, Albany, NY 12210. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com.