It is with great sadness we announce the passing of William “Lefty Bill” Ryan. The lord called him home in a peaceful manner Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from his home of 48 years in Temple Terrace, Florida at the age of 80.
Beloved husband and best friend of Janet Ryan.
Loving father of Allison Ryan Kaczmarek and Erin Ryan.
He was the proud grandfather to Abbigale Kaczmarek, Madeline Kaczmarek, and the late Hannah Kaczmarek.
Family was the pivotal essence of Bill’s life. He was proud and honored to be the patriarch, father, and grandfather to our family. He has been a major presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren.
Baseball was a life-long passion for Bill. As a quiet boy, believe it or not, his parents had to force him to try out for the baseball team, he did and the legend of “Lefty Bill” began. As an all-star pitcher, Lefty Bill led his Sarasota High School baseball team to win the state title in 1957. After graduating High School, he attended Florida State University on a baseball scholarship.
Lefty Bill, alongside his beloved Janet, was an avid tennis player with many of their friends up until he retired from GTE. After retirement, he became a member of Temple Terrace Country Club where he enjoyed spending his time playing golf.
Bill had a long-standing relationship with God and was a member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church for 48 years. He dedicated many years of his life to helping others and in service to his community of Temple Terrace. He volunteered for the Temple Terrace Police Department, 8 on your side, and was a long-time Kiwanis member, where he mentored students at King High School through the key club. “Lefty Bill” coached little league baseball in Sarasota and Temple Terrace.
This loving, caring, and wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be supremely missed by his family and many friends. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life, honor his spirit through our actions, and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9715 N 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617 on Monday, March 22nd, at 11:30 a.m. A reception to follow at the home of Bill and Janet Ryan, 320 Druid Hills Rd, Temple Terrace, FL 33617.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill's memory to a charity of choice.
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