Shawn James Ryan

Shawn James Ryan, 64, passed away at home, on Sunday August 6, 2023 from undetected heart disease. The doctor stated 'he had a big heart' and he truly did! Shawn took pleasure in helping others.

One of his greatest loves was his wife, Mary, whom he was married to for 35 years; sharing their life's moments for a total of 43 years together. Most of all, Shawn was so proud of his four children; Meghan and Matthew Ryan (Pasco, WA), Brenna and Brandon Zarichny (Baldwinsville, NY), Courtney and Utkarsh Singh (Raleigh, NC), and Collin Ryan residing at home in North Syracuse, NY with Liam the family's 16-year-old cat. Shawn was predeceased by his parents, Robert Ryan and Mary Allen. He is survived by his 9 siblings and their spouses; Lucy Brady Blue and Eddie Blue (Westminster, MD), Sherrie and David Cambron (Rochester, NY), Robert and Patricia Ryan (Beaver Falls, NY), T. Patrick and Tari Ryan (Liverpool, NY), D. Brady and Myra Drummond-Ryan (Charlotte, NC), Timothy and Laura Ryan (Orlando, FL), Jodey and Anna Perez Ryan (Delmar, NY), Molly and Timothy Shine (Fairport, NY), Rebel and Laurie Sugahbeare (Portland OR), cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Shawn grew up in Rodman, NY and attended South Jefferson schools. He loved to learn and earned an AS degree in Science from Jefferson Community College and a BS degree in Science at SUNY College of Technology. With the education he gleaned, he worked for Household Finance 1984-1987, the Pyramid Companies 1987-1991, Prudential Insurance Company 1991-2013 and IBN Financial Services 2013- to the present meeting the financial needs of individuals and families. He excelled in his business skills achieving the Million Dollar Round Table 3 times and was an IBN Star Performer twice. He also continued learning his trade by keeping current with new products.

Shawn was active and so full of life, having many skills! He concocted a spicy dry rub he dubbed "Dr. Dave's Deadly Dust" after his brother-in-law. Shawn enjoyed sharing it with others. He was also a handyman and talented, a real jack of all trades. He made his house a home, inside and out, taking pride in all of the upgrades. His recent interest has been watching birds in the backyard, crafting Oriole feeders, multiple bird houses and contraptions to keep bees and squirrels away surrounding them with a decorative backyard corner fence. He enjoyed landscaping and had looked forward to seeing the bright berries from the newly planted Winterberry shrubs come this winter. Other outdoor activities Shawn especially enjoyed were running and being a volunteer at his wife Mary's races and triathlons. He loved the volunteer position of body marking athletes with their race numbers adding his own personal touch of stick figures or race logos. He was Mary's number one fan; he even had a bright neon yellow shirt stating just that! Fall was his favorite season as he was an avid deer hunter.

Shawn loved his children more than anything! He was the best dad ever from the moment each of them took their first breath. He was such a storyteller; making up unique scenarios with a moral for his children before bedtime. He shared his love of reading graphic novels and fantasy books such as the Dragon Lance series. He was able to participate in all of their milestones; the latest of which being gaining 3 sons-in-law. He loved spending time with his children and fully supported their interests. He could always be found on the sidelines of a sporting event or in the audience of a school performance. Whether it was splashing in the pool or facing an intense game of croquet, he was always there.

Family and friends are invited to his calling hours at New Comer Funeral Home at 705 N Main St. N. Syracuse, NY on Saturday, August 12th from 12-3 PM with a memorial service to follow at 3 PM.

If you dream it, you can be it!

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