Robert William Ryan

CLINTON, MA – Robert William Ryan, 89, of Clinton, died Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Rose Monahan Hospice, Worcester.

Bob leaves his wife Marcia (Kaminski) Ryan of Clinton, his daughter Valerie Ryan Maciejczyk and her husband Thomas Maciejczyk of Melbourne FL, his daughter Cynthia Ryan McGoldrick of Shrewsbury, son Robert Ryan and his wife Michelle (Marchand) Ryan of Oxford, daughter Jean Ryan Scott of Falmouth, daughter Pamela Ryan Cotter of Worcester, daughter Kristen Ryan Eckel and her husband Robert Eckel of Worcester, son Gary Ryan and his wife Edie (Enberg) Ryan of Shrewsbury.  Bob also leaves 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his wife Annette Marie (DiStefano) Ryan, his sister Jean Ryan Hurley and his brother John “Jack” Ryan.

Bob was born in Worcester on October 16, 1931, son of J. Walter and Sarah (Brierley) Ryan. He lived in Worcester until the age of 12, when his family relocated to Shrewsbury.  Bob proudly served in the Navy during the Korean War and moved on to attend baking school at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, MN, where he graduated then started his own business in Worcester, Ryan’s Wonder Bakeries throughout the Big Discount Wonder Markets.  

The friends Bob had throughout his life were abundant, his humor, quick wit, and contagious smile were welcoming and accepting of all.  The life Bob lived was joyous, but not without tragedy.  In September of 1972, Bob’s first love and wife Annette Marie Ryan was suddenly and unexpectedly taken from him, leaving him with five young children.  Friends, family, and his sister-in-law Gayle (Distefano) Achilles all came to support his efforts, but it was in April of 1973 that Bob married Marcia Kaminski and welcomed her two daughters into the family that cemented his happiness for the next fifty years of his life.

Coaching Little League, teaching even the neighborhood children to ride bicycles, and making sure all the neighborhood kids had both bicycles and ice skates so they all could participate in the neighborhood fun was his mindset.  Skiing and golf were enjoyed with family and longtime friends, locally and in NH.  Bob and his wife Marcia also took several vacations out West and to Europe to enjoy their love of skiing.  Bob liked to play cards, shoot pool, and sip a CC and Sprite with his many friends.  When Bob retired it was to NH in ski country, until his later years when he and his wife relocated to Blufton, SC for warmer weather and more golf. Recently Bob and Marcia moved back to the Worcester County area to be closer to family. 

Bob’s life was full, joyful and will be celebrated by those that knew and loved him.  A celebration of Bob’s life will take place on Sunday June 13, 2021 at the Knights of Columbus 206 S Quinsigamond Ave Shrewsbury from 1-4 pm, where Bob’s friends and family are welcome to share their memories and celebrate the life of Bob.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester where Bob serenely passed with his wife by his side.