Obituary of Robert W. Ryan

Robert W. “Bob” Ryan Age 81 of Horseheads, NY, passed away peacefully at home, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family, Monday, January 23, 2023. Bob was predeceased by his first wife Josephine Marie Ostrander, his parents William Archie Ryan and Lucile DeEtta (Hammond) Ryan, brother James Ryan and best friend (like a brother) Al Morse. Bob is survived by his second wife of 51 years, Cecilia (Telech) Ryan. He was blessed with eight children: Kenneth Ryan (former spouse, Teresa) of Elmira; Douglas Ryan (former spouse, Cheri) of Apalachin; Michele (Dana) Chaborek of Horseheads; Michael (Jennifer) Ryan of Erin; Rebecca Coon (former spouse, Bernie) of Elmira Heights; Robert Ryan (former spouse, Joyce), of Elmira; Theresa McCaslin of Elmira Heights; and Christa (Angela) Ryan of Elmira. He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren, Kenneth (Porcha), Caitlin, Patrick, Charles (Maris), Joseph, Briana (Kyley), Madison, Alyssa, Daniel, Lenny and Annora; and 2 great grandsons, Kaden and Jackson. Also surviving Bob are his sisters Shirley Ryan of Oregon, IL; Bonnie (Bernie) Minch of Big Flats; sister-in-law Sally Ryan of Costa Rica; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bob was a Carpenter for 65-plus years with Local Carpenter Union 277 (formerly Local 532). Bob graduated from Horseheads High School in 1961. After high school Bob went to work in construction with his father, where they built several of the homes in Windsor Gardens, and then onto an apprenticeship with the Carpenters Union. A car enthusiast, Bob enjoyed all types of vehicles and in the 1970s, Bob and his second wife, Sis, were members of the Hill Surfers Four-Wheel Drive Club, where they made lasting friendships that continue today. In the early 1980s Bob decided that he wanted a job that was more steady than construction and started working at Ziebart in Elmira, eventually owning the business until late 1990; where some of his customers began calling him “Mr. Z”. After Ziebart, and after most of his children were grown, Bob resumed construction work until his retirement in 2007. Family and friends are invited to visit the Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main St., in Horseheads, NY on Friday, January 27th from 1-3:00 pm and 5-7:00 pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 am on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 604 Park Place in Elmira, NY. Rev. Richard T. Farrell officiating. Committal and interment prayers will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Horseheads. Those wishing may honor Bob with a donation to the Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus - Catholic Church, 604 Park Pl, Elmira, NY 14901.