ALBANY – Paul E. Ryan, 80, of Albany, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Paul was born in Albany, the son of the late William A. Ryan and Anna Evelyn Werking Ryan. He was a graduate of Cardinal McCloskey High School and was employed in the auto services and transportation industry for many years prior to working for Brockway-Smith Distributors until retirement. He was in the U.S. Naval Reserve for twenty years including active duty during Operation Desert Storm. He enjoyed woodworking and created some beautiful hand-crafted pieces. He was also a member of the Northeast Woodworkers Association and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.
Paul is survived by his sister Jean C. Ryan of Watervliet; his nieces and nephews James Ryan (Lori), Regina Ryan-Gaule (Chris), Teresa Ryan-Rowe, Matthew Ryan, Natalie Ryan, and Carey Ryan (Kimberly); and by several great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers JohnW. “Jack” Ryan and James J. Ryan; and by his nephew Mark Ryan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 8th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish of Mater Christi, Hurst Ave. & Hopewell St., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the church prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
LYNN MALATESTA
Paul was a wonderful neighbor. A neighbor is often not someone you get to choose. Well, I think I hit the jackpot. I would choose Paul every day, forever. We got to know each other. It was amazing watching Paul work on his property and home that he purchased in his late 70s. Paul was very proud of his physical condition and that he was still working part-time. He enjoyed cooking, working with wood, and his cat Babe. We had many conversations regarding all of this and more. Sometimes he would bring over baked goods. Paul would proudly show me his woodwork creations. At first, my cat would visit with Paul’s cat Babe through Paul’s living room window. After telling Paul about the transition story of my cat to an indoor/outdoor cat, he did the same with Babe. He would sit with Babe on the steps, until Babe was comfortable to be on her own, and he was comfortable with Babe being out on her own. Once, not that long ago, Babe came to Tony’s rescue when he was in a fight with a strange cat. Paul and I always fussed over the others cat when he/she were near. Paul attended church every Sunday and often spoke of his family. He also enjoyed talking with other neighbors, especially Dean and Roland. Sadly, his health changed after he turned 80. He will be missed in our neighborhood. My condolences to Paul’s family.
Joyce
I’m sorry for your loss. I will dearly miss Paul. He was one of my closest friends and confidant even after I moved to AZ. I was very sad to hear of his passing even though I knew he had health issues for several months. He made the best cheese cake!