Ryan Joseph Cullen

A new years baby born January 1st, 1995 in Reno, Nevada. After a display of fireworks, Ryan was born at 12:22a.m., making his debut as the "New Year's Baby of Washoe County".

Ryan attended a Montessori school for the gifted in his earlier years. Over the course of his educational years, Ryan received numerous academic awards ranging from spelling bee's, Honor Roll, Math and Science Project awards and Wrestling medals. He participated in some High School Football, many church youth group functions and community outreach programs. In High School, one of his teacher's nick name for Ryan was "Dr. Cullen" because of his intellectual abilities. As an adult, Ryan passed the tests for acceptance to a prestigious computer coding school, however did not survive the opportunity to attend it.

Ryan had a deep connection to music and loved playing the guitar. He loved spending time with his grandpa Will. Ryan was an avid reader. Growing up he enjoyed flying from Colorado to Nevada for the summers to spend time with his father, Jim and his dad's side of the family. Many highlights in Ryan’s life were times spent with his cousin Krista whom he had a special bond with. He also enjoyed extensive traveling with his Mother's side of the family, hiking in the mountains, going for walks with his dog Gidget, going to the movies and hanging out with his friends.

Ryan was baptized at 9 years of age at the First Baptist Church in Longmont, accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was always thinking about his connection with God, seeking truth in understanding God's word to best live and walk out his faith journey amongst life's good and difficult times.

Ryan encountered struggles with addiction and had maintained 15 months of sobriety prior to his passing. His family and friends are so proud of him and his testimony of always encouraging and helping others struggling with similar circumstances so they could potentially live a healthy life. Bravo Ryan!

Ryan had a brilliant mind and a very deep compassionate heart. He loved to laugh and share the gift of laughter with others. He was a staunch protector of his family.

Several years ago, Ryan found the love of his life, Michelle Sosnowski. Spending time with her made him so happy and her companionship was something he always treasured.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, gentleness, laughter, joy, love, but most of all his kindness. He touched the lives of so many people in meaningful ways during his short stay on this planet. There are no words to express how deeply he was loved and will be missed by his family and friends.

Ryan is preceded in death by his father, Jim Carey, grandparents Will and Margarith Cullen, Louis and Betty Carey, his Uncle Eugene Whited and his beloved Aunt Wanda Martin. Ryan is survived by his mother Kathleen (Cullen) Kelly, his closest Aunt Ariana (AJ) Cullen, Uncle Robert Martin, Aunt and Uncle Bill and Bonnie Flim, Aunt Phyllis Whited, his beloved cousin and life long best friend Krista Cullen, his close cousin Brian Brieter, cousins Greg Shierholt, Pamela Price, Robert Whited, Cheri Leedom, Pam Martin and numerous 2nd cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Ryan was held Saturday, March 25, 2023 at First Baptist Church located on 701 Kimbark Street, Longmont, CO 80501. Memories of Ryan and condolences for his family are welcome at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.