Donald J. Ryan

Lincoln - The world is a sadder place because Donald Ryan of Lincoln R.I. has passed on July 18, 2017.  He came to Rhode Island with Ryco Trimming Co., a company he founded with his wife Patricia, in 1989.

Don was born in New York City on February 24, 1933, but grew up in New Jersey.  Served in the Coast Guard and when discharged worked for his Stepfather in the Schiffli embroidery business.  He shortly purchased his own Schiffli Business.  Eventually, he sold his business and went to work for William E. Wright Company in  West Warren, Massachsuetts, and then Donahue Sales (Talon) in New York City as Product Manager of Trimming and on to be Director of Sales.  In 1983, he and Patricia started their own trimming manufacturing company – Ryco.  Today it is a large retail fabric store in Lincoln.

He was a volunteer Fireman and Mason in Ridgefield, New Jersey, President of the Board of Education and Treasurer of Holy Counselor Lutheran Church in Vernon, New Jersey. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickenson University with a Business degree attending at nights for 12 years. Don was an active outdoorsman loving fishing and hunting.

Don is survived by his wife, Patricia, his daughter, Donna Jean Downing, and her husband Richard of New Jersey; his son, Timothy J. Ryan, and his wife Angela of Coventry; one brother, Kenneth Ryan of New Jersey; and six grandchildren, Ryan Tierney, Caitlin Tierney, Sean Ryan, Hunter Ryan, Tayler Gordon and Lyndsey Gordon.  He was the father of the late Christopher Ryan and Patrick Ryan, and was the brother of the late Wallace Ryan.

His funeral will be held Monday, July 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Four Corners Community Chapel, 200 Angell Road, Cumberland.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call Sunday, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.  His burial will be private.