Obituary of William I. Ryan, Jr.

William I. “Bill” Ryan, Jr., 87, Village of Round Lake, Town of Malta, peacefully entered into eternal life surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home on Saturday, December 30, 2023.

Born in Schenectady, NY, he was the son of the late William R. and Grace Jarvis Ryan. Bill was a member of the second graduating class of Shenendehowa High School. It was there where he met the love of his life, Shirley M. Bessette Ryan, to whom he was married to for 67 years. When Bill was 18 years old he joined the Army National Guard where he served for the next 23 years. 

After graduation, Bill worked for General Electric for 9 years before he went on to work as a Project engineer for Norton Co. (presently St. Gobain) in Watervliet. He retired after 28 years of service as a valued life long employee. During his years of employment, Bill traveled the world and enjoyed the experience of new cultures and people; bringing home stories of meals shared and new perspectives gained. 

As an avid believer in democracy and community, Bill served as the beloved Mayor of the Village of Round lake from 1981-1990. It was here that he instilled countless initiatives to improve and strengthen the fabric of this Village; many of which are the reasons it remains to be a special community today. His service didn’t end after his term as mayor. Bill was a self taught history enthusiast, and he acted as Village Historian until 2023. His experience and knowledge of local history made him a most valuable resource to past and present community members. He loved to share his passion for our history through guided tours of the village and participating in many interviews for various newspaper articles and television specials. Bill was also known for his valuable position on the Board of the Round Lake Library for many years. 

Bill was the beloved husband of Shirley, and devoted father of Colleen (Patrick) Young, William I. “Bill” (LuAnn) Ryan, III and the late Shannon Ryan. He was the loving brother of the late Sheila Agnes Ryan, and cherished grandfather of Ryan Young, Gus Young (Stephanie), Cody Simpson (Bill), Jeffrey Monroe, William M. “Mac” Ryan. He was the adored great grandfather of Emma Audette, August Simpson, Archie Simpson, Benjamin Simpson and Olivia “Marty” Young, and dear Uncle of Carey Schafmeister.

Relatives and friends are invited to Corpus Christi Church, 2001 US-9 (RT-9 and Ushers Rd.), Round Lake, NY 12151 for Bill’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on  Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 10am. Refreshments to follow immediately after on Bill’s porch in Round Lake (2 George Avenue). 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

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