Robert Allan Ryan

Robert Allan Ryan passed away August 25, 2022 with his companion Annie by his side. He had been a resident of Huger Mercy Living Center for eleven months battling the ravages of late stage Parkinson’s and dementia.

Bob was born July 7, 1938 in Derby, CT to Joseph and Kay (Kathleen Murphy). He is predeceased by parents his and siblings, Kenneth B., Kevin D., and Kathleen Ryan Kaufman. Surviving family members are sons, Michael Ryan (Carol) of Ansonia, CT and his son Matthew; Robert Ryan and his daughter Emma Rose of West Haven, CT; Christopher Ryan and his son Shaun and daughter Shay of Madison, CT; and a sister Eileen Ryan of Long Beach, CA.

His career as mechanical engineer spanned 50 years in Connecticut and Arizona. Working for national and international companies his projects included designs for copying and postal handling equipment; space recovery parachutes; electrical, microwave, and RT connectors; missile umbilical systems; internal electrical hardware for Hard Mobile Launchers; CT medical scanning equipment; and mechanical and robotic solutions for manufacturing.

Music filled Bob’s life. He was a keyboard man. His first keyboard instrument was an accordion when he was seven years old. Performing was natural for him and once he said that he had over 50,000 tunes in his repertoire. He performed professionally in Connecticut and all along the eastern seaboard and in Phoenix, AZ. Rhapsody in Blue was a touchstone in his memory as was the music of Les Paul these last couple of years. The driving funk of Tower of Power propelled him through the spacious gardens of Huger. When he could still play at home on one of his many instruments, one song was special. Bob and Annie’s song was composed by Al Jolson, “All my Love” – a beautiful waltz in a minor key rendered by Bob with full orchestration on his old Technics Sx organ.

The last 28 years of Bob’s life were spent with his companion Annie Waters. Their bond was one of great love and devotion unmarred by his failing physical and cognitive conditions. Annie wishes to thank The Muhammad Ali Parkinson's Center and Barrow’s Neurological Institute, Huger Mercy Living Center, and Hospice of the Valley for the care each brought to Bob.

Memorial contributions suggested to Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Campus or Arizona Animal Welfare League.