John R. Ryan Sr.

A lifelong area resident, John was born June 6, 1931, the son of the late James T. and Stascia Collier Ryan.

He served from 1949 – 1952 in the United States Air Force and was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

John spent more than 40 years in the banking business, retiring as Sr. Vice President of First National Bank of Cortland in 1993.

He was a member of many civic and service organizations through the years, including the Burns-McCauliffe Post #465 American Legion of Homer, a Life Member of the Homer Lodge #2506 B.P.O.E. and served on the Homer Central School Board.

He was an active member of the Homer Fire Department, serving as First Assistant Chief and Past President. He also served as President of the Cortland County Fireman’s Association and a former member of the Fire Advisory Board.

John made many memories with his family at his cottage on the St. Lawrence River in Morristown, NY and at Dunkomo Hunting Camp. He also enjoyed golfing and wood-working.

He is survived by three sons, Michael T. (Patricia) Ryan of Homer; John R. (Julie) Ryan Jr. of Homer; and Steven H. (Charlene) Ryan of Cortlandville; thirteen grandchildren, Joshua, Kelley and Elijah, Stacey, Brett, Caitlin and Heather, Meghan, Molly, Aric, Jacob, Zachary and Brooke; fourteen great grandchildren, his twin brother, James T. Ryan of North Rose, NY; a special brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald R. (Sherrye) Cook of Caledonia, NY as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife, Beverly Cook Ryan in 2010; two brothers, Luther Collier and Lawrence Ryan and a sister, Prudence Dillon.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 N. Main St., Homer, with the Rev. Suzanne Block, Chaplain of the Homer Fire Department officiating. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, Homer.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 5-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Ryan’s name may be directed to the Homer Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Homer, and NY 13077.