William Ryan

WILLIAM T. 'BILL' RYAN, 71 ROCKFORD - William Thomas Ryan departed this earthly life on October 11, 2013, after a long illness, at his home with his loving family. Bill was born on August 31, 1942, to Genevieve and James R. Ryan of New Haven, CT. He was married to his devoted wife of 48 years, Sheila Morris, on June 5, 1965. Bill and Sheila raised three children, and relocated to Rockford, IL in 1974. He worked as a successful industrial sales representative until his retirement. Bill was involved in numerous groups during his lifetime, including being an active member of Holy Family Parish, Past President of the Elks Club #64, Past President of the Irish Marching Society, and long-time member of the American Lombardi Society and Verdi Club. Bill lived an extraordinary life, being a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend of many-living a life inspired by a caring and loving determination to make people happy, laugh, enjoy life, and to most importantly love one another. He is survived by his wife, Sheila; daughters, Jane (John) Barelli, Kathy Ryan and his son, Jim (Nancy) Ryan, all of Rockford, his beloved grandchildren, Kate, Ryan, Sean, and Anna Barelli, William Ryan, and Daniel, Genevieve, and Molly Ryan. Surviving siblings include brothers, James (Rosalie) Ryan, Russell (Ginny) Ryan and devoted sister, Julie Ogren, all of Connecticut, and in-laws, Patty Morris, Kathy (David) Malane, Claire (Michael) Sills, Rita (Jules) Cassel and Erin Morris, as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved. Predeceased by his father, James; mother, Genevieve; brother, Bobby; mother and father-in-law, Genevieve and Edward Morris; and in-laws, Karl Ogren, Mary Connelly, Robert Morris and Edward Morris. Visitation will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, October 15, Riverside Chapel, 3910 North Rockton Avenue, 4 to 7 p.m. Visitation will also be at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd., from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, with Funeral Mass to be held at 10 a.m. Burial in Arlington Memorial Cemetery immediately after Mass. Tie your shoelaces tight, because we're having one celebration party of his life thereafter. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ryan Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 2668, Loves Park, IL 61132, to benefit those causes Bill supported in his lifetime. And until we meet again husband, dad, brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend, may God hold you gently in the palm of His Hand. Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home. To extend condolences visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.