Robert James “Bob” Ryan, Sr, 86, died August 9 at his home in Norwalk. He was a lifelong resident of Norwalk, born February 23, 1929, and was the son of the late Leo and Marguerite O’Keefe Ryan. He was the husband of his high school sweetheart, Josephine “Jo” Mariani Ryan, for 65 years. 

Besides his wife, he also leaves behind his five children and spouses, Janis and Peter Solheim of Sandy Hook, Judy and Jeff Belorit of Newtown, Robin and Biff Bartoli of Danbury, Jennifer and Steve Baranello, and Robert, Jr, all of Monroe; 12 grandchildren, Shannon, Shelley, Kimberly, and husband Daniel West, and Renee Solheim, Bryan, and wife Kelle, Dan and Erica Raymond, Rachel Bartoli, Forrest and Austin Ryan, and Jack and Ryan Baranello; a step-granddaughter Jacquelyn Hassan; two great-grandsons; a sister, Patricia Currie of Norwalk; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and cousins. Three brothers, Leo, Jack, and Kenneth Ryan predeceased Mr Ryan.

Mr Ryan was a graduate of Roger Ludlow Junior High and a graduate of Norwalk High School, Class of 1947, where he served as class president for both schools. Mr Ryan, with his wife at his side, served as co-chairman of class reunions for 60 years.

He was an accomplished athlete, earning letters in baseball, football, basketball, and track. Baseball was his love and in 1948 he earned a tryout with the New York Giants Farm Team in Sanford, Fla. In 1999, Mr Ryan was honored by the Norwalk Old Timers. He was an avid Mets, Red Sox, Knicks, Rangers, and UConn Huskies fan.

He was a US Army Veteran. He served in the 963rd Field Battalion of the National Guard from 1948 to 1950, when his unit was mobilized. He served during the Korean War in Augsburg, Germany, as part of the 43rd Division Occupation Force. As a staff sergeant he was on active duty until his discharge in 1952.

He was a sales representative for Sunshine Biscuits for 16 years, and Keebler Company for 21 years, until his retirement in 1991.

Mr Ryan took great pride tending his beautiful azaleas. He enjoyed listening to the Big Bands, golf, and bowling. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, Msgr Thomas Finn Council #46, Norwalk Senior Center, NHS Alumni Association, New Horizon Seniors, and was a parishioner of St Matthews Church.

A wake will take place Tuesday, August 11, from 5 to 8 pm, at the Magner Funeral Parlor, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday, August 12, at 9:30 am, at St Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk.

Memorial contributions may be sent to American Heart Association at www.heart.org, Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, or Norwalk High School Class of 1947 Scholarship Fund, c/o Office of Comptroller, Sal Iannacone, City of Norwalk, 135 East Avenue, Norwalk CT 06851.