SPRINGFIELD - Hugh Gillam Ryan, 65, died Aug. 11, 2005, at his home. He was born June 11, 1940, in Rutland, the son of John and Mary Ryan.
He graduated from Springfield High School in 1958.
He worked for J&L in Springfield and eventually went into the auto repair business at Ryan's Shell in North Springfield. He went on to open Ryan's Service Center in the Springfield Shopping Plaza, which will continue to be run by the family.
Hughie was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer, tinkerer and tall-tale teller.
Survivors include his wife of eight years, Kathryn Ryan of Springfield; daughter Courtney Ryan of Andover; son Jason Pierce of Springfield, daughter-in-law Michelle Pierce of Springfield; son Padraic Ryan of Guilford, CT; daughter-in-law Margaret Ryan of Guilford, CT; sisters Joan Bishop of Portsmouth, NH, Jean Ryan of Burlington, MA; a brother Terry Ryan of Middlebury; a close nephew Christoher Lewis and his fiancee Anne Oldfield, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be no calling hours or service. However, St. Mary's Parish in Springfield will hold a Remembrance Mass in the evening, the date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: David's House, PO Box 660, Lebanon, NH 03766, 603-643-2298. Contact information at Eternal Flame Crematorium, 1-802-254-3508.
Date: August 14, 2005
Publication: Rutland Herald (VT)
Carol Stearns (Bock)
Hugh was my friend. He was good to me and loved my parents. One time when we were both divorced, Hugh called me and said "Burnsy, you know those coupons in the grocery store that say 'buy one, get one free'. Well, I don't want two and I thought we could get together and make out our shopping lists and share those free ones." I laughed and told him that would make shopping too high maintenance for me, but he could probably put the free one in the freezer or on the shelf and could use it later.