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Peter Wyman Ryan was born in Springfield, VT, on August 27, 1945, to his late parents, Frank E. and Rae (Atwood) Ryan and was raised in Rocky Hill, CT. Peter grew up with a strong sense of service, joining the United States Air Force right after high school. He was stationed in New Zealand, where he served for four years and developed a deep sense of duty and dedication. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Diane, and together they built a life centered around family and community in Norfolk, MA, where they raised their three children, Sean, Amy, and Sheri.
A true family man, Peter's love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was the foundation of his life. He especially loved the holidays, with Halloween being his favorite and was known for his artistically carved pumpkins. His creativity knew no bounds—he could build or fix anything, always approaching projects with a sense of innovation and determination. Peter’s love for family and tradition was evident in his lifelong connection to Truro, MA. From the time he was a young boy, he vacationed there, and later, he continued the tradition with his own family, making countless memories in the Cape Cod town he loved so much.
His love for sports was well-known; he was a standout baseball player, an avid golfer and a passionate skier. Peter took great joy in teaching his children to ski, starting when they were young, and enjoyed countless family trips on the slopes.
He spent the majority of his career in various management roles, where his leadership, problem-solving skills, and work ethic earned him respect from colleagues and subordinates alike.
Peter's strength and resilience were most evident during his 11-year battle with Multiple Myeloma, which he fought with unwavering courage at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Throughout his treatment, Peter volunteered for numerous clinical trials, offering hope to future patients and demonstrating his selflessness and commitment to helping others.
Peter is survived by his wife of 55 years, Diane, their three children, Sean Ryan and partner Mike Smith of Portland, OR, Amy Fish and husband Brian of Upton, MA and Sheri Paquette and husband David of Southborough, MA, and his beloved grandchildren Nevan, Payton, Elle and Lucien. He is also survived by his siblings, Gerald Ryan and his wife Joann, Susan Ryan, Cindy Gabriel and her husband Peter and Paul Ryan and his wife Shellee.
His legacy of love, creativity, and strength will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Visiting hours for Peter will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 11:00AM-1:00PM at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Peter Ryan in support of Multiple Myeloma research, please go to www.Jimmyfund.org/gift (See below for donation link)
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peter Wyman Ryan, please visit our floral store.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168, Boston MA 02284
Web: http://www.dana-farber.org/gift