James "Tim" Ryan

COLONIE – James “Tim” Ryan, 76, of Colonie, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Tim was born in Albany and is predeceased by his parents, James W. and Genevieve E. (Kevlin) Ryan. A lifelong resident of Colonie, Tim grew up with his “Rat-Pack” from Cherry Street.  Tim spent his summers with family and friends at Lake Nancy in Middle Grove, NY.   Tim was a 1966 graduate of Colonie Central High School and a 1970 graduate of Siena College. Tim enjoyed a long career with the New York State Department of Social Services, retiring in 2005.

Tim was dedicated to his community, faith, and family.  He served over 30 years on the South Colonie Board of Education, including multiple terms as president and vice president. Tim was an usher, lector, and Eucharistic Minister at Christ Our Light Church. He coached youth baseball, was Scoutmaster of Cub Scout Pack 90, and even stepped up as an interim Brownie Troup leader.  Tim was a huge baseball fan and traveled the country to watch his favorite pastime.  He would always root for the New York Yankees and the Albany-Colonie teams at Heritage Park. He was passionate about traveling and enjoyed over forty cruises with family and friends.  He loved music, listening, performing, and whistling tunes of the 1950’s and 60’s.  One of Tim’s many nicknames was “Ivory” - playing keyboard in his band “The Aristocrats”.  Above all, Tim lived life to the fullest and made an impression on everyone he met.  His smile, quick wit and humor will be missed.

Tim is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Deborah (DeVellis) Ryan; his loving children, Scott (Elizabeth) Ryan, Nicole Ryan, and Timothy (Krista Jiampetti) Ryan; and his cherished grandchildren, Katherine and Jack Ryan. Tim is also survived by his adored pup, Barkley “Bob”, and his granddogs, Buddy, Rio “Riri”, Archie, Kevlin “KevKev” and Jasper, as well as many relatives and friends.

“Once a Raider – ALWAYS a Raider!”

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for their compassionate care of Tim over the last 7 months.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, July 17th from 4-7 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday morning at 11am at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tim’s name to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204 or in honor of the Joseph Bruno Caldara IV Grief Room at Albany Medical Center, donations can be sent to @Julie-Gigliello (last four digits 6845)