Edward V. Ryan
Jan. 12, 1932 - Jul. 20, 2024
Entered into rest on July 20th, 2024, at the age of 92. Born and raised in South Buffalo his family originally came from the 1st Ward, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy (Dottie), and they were married 54 years.
He attended Holy Family Grammar School and South Park High School. He played on the football team as a running back and a punt returner, earning the nick name “Speedy”. Graduated in 1950 receiving major letters.
Like most families of the time, he worked two, sometimes three jobs, to support his family.
At 18 he started working at the South Buffalo Railroad and retired in 1970. He was appointed to the City of Buffalo Fire Department in 1962. He was stationed downtown at Ellicott Station Engine #1 where he spent his entire career. When asked why he never transferred he stated, “because that’s where the action was”. He served on the rescue squad for many years. After a roof collapse in 1981 that trapped and injured him and eight other firefighters, one of whom was seriously injured. He retired in 1983 while on disability due to his injury.
He served as the secretary of the union for many years under President and longtime friend Patrick Mangan. He also became a member and official of UAW, United Steel Workers, Railroad Trainmen, and a delegate to Buffalo Federation of Labor and the Maritime Trade Council.
While working as a fireman, he obtained his insurance license from Bryant and Stratton Business Institute. Upon his retirement, he opened his own agency, Bison Insurance, which specialized in selling group insurance policies. Through his union activities he did much of his business with state, county and city government agencies and associated unions. Later in life he worked with Ron Gesl associates. Ron and Ed became great friends and got involved in various business ventures together. They became very well known to many in Downtown Buffalo establishments.
In the 1960s, Ed became involved in the Republican party. He was elected over time to leader of 2nd Ward Republican committee, South Ward Republican Chairman, and was appointed vice chairman of the Erie County Republican Committee representing the city of Buffalo in 1982. He proposed forming the City of Buffalo Republican Committee and it was approved by the County GOP organization in 1988, allowing the city committee the power to endorse their own candidates. Ed was elected as the first city wide chairman by city committeemen and served as chairman until 1997. Ed ran for the public office of Council President twice in the 90’s. He remained active as a committeeman, mentor, advisor, and promoter to the County and City parties into his late 80s.
He loved Buffalo and was proud of his First Ward South Buffalo Irish heritage. He was a member of the Blackthorns and marched with that organization for many years in the St. Patrick's parade. He also hosted a party called “An Irish Evening” around St. Patrick's Day for 47 years straight. Which drew attendees from throughout the county and included members of all political parties.
He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed supporting the Bills, Yankees, Notre Dame, college football and basketball.
His favorite place was Snyder Beach. A family homestead going back decades where summers would last from May till November. He loved sitting on his porch with his family and dogs around him, having his favorite drink listening to good music. He would stare out and say, “It doesn’t get much better than this”.
He cherished his family and was a loving husband to the late Dorothy “Dottie” (Heinen). He was a devoted father of Edward (Nancy) Ryan, Dennis (Julie) Ryan, and the late Michael” Doc” Ryan, as well as a cherished grandfather of Timothy Ryan and Kerry (Jonathan) Daigle. He was also a dear uncle to Sharon (Paul) Sullivan and Tommy (Maddie) Merkl. He had a special love for his dog Morgan and grand dogs Ellie, Willow, and Benny.
Ed passed away peacefully with family present at Hospice Buffalo. Per Ed’s wishes private services were held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made in Ed’s memory to Hospice Services Buffalo. Whose care and kindness were truly something special. www.HospiceBuffalo.com
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to LOOMIS, OFFERS & LOOMIS INC. FUNERAL HOME (Memorial Chapel).
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