Geneseo/Livonia: At age 92, Clair T. Ryan of Geneseo, passed peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Noyes Hospital in Dansville, NY. Clair was born on April 15, 1931, in Rochester, NY to the late Vincent and Sarah (Hayes) Ryan. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Nancy (Long) Ryan, son Patrick Ryan and brother Gary Ryan. Survived by children, Thomas (Sharon) Ryan of Deerfield, Illinois, Kenneth (Christine) Ryan of Manchester, NH, Daniel (Kathleen) Ryan of Chili, NY, David (Nannette) Ryan of Brockport, NY, Rebecca (Brian) Lawrence of Geneseo, NY, Theodore (Michelle) Ryan of Piffard, NY; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law Nancy Ryan and cousin Margaret Commerical. Also survived by a niece and nephew and many neighbors and friends.
In 1949 Clair joined the Army National Guard prior to Highschool Graduation. In 1953 he earned an Associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology from New York State Agricultural and Technical Institute at Alfred, began a job at Eastman Kodak in Rochester NY, married his wife Nancy, and by December he was on active duty. Clair served in the Army National Guard through 1959 and is a Korean War Era veteran. His active duty included much of his time on the DMZ. Clair’s love of space and model planes/flight served him well during his 33 years in the secret Aerospace Division at Kodak. Over the years Clair and his family raised 22 dogs for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind. He was a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 72, an avid sailor- even making his own boat, enjoying time spent on Conesus Lake, a four-time cancer survivor and he was an active member of his church. Clair’s love of making models continued till the end of his life.
Family and friends may call on Friday, April 28 th , from 4-7 pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY. Clair’s Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Saturday, April 29 th , at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 4 Avon Geneseo Road, Geneseo, NY. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Geneseo, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Noyes Foundation, 111 Clara Barton Street, Dansville, NY 14437. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
My condolences to you all. I will miss all of the holiday cards Clair sent me. May he rest in peace.
Our condolences to the entire Ryan family. Our prayers are with you.Joe Ricotta & family.
Deepest condolences to you all. I have wonderful memories spent in the Ryan household with the family? All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Ryan will have marvelous company over the rainbow bridge! Hugs to Peggy too
Our deepest condolences to the Ryan family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Condolences to family and friends for
their earthly loss. Thank you Clair for your
country’s service, love in raising your
“Guiding Eyes” dogs, scouting and
fellowship in Christian service in your
church. Through Christ we know we’ll
be together again.
To all of the Ryan’s, I am so sorry to hear about you dad’s passing. Your dad and mom were such good friends with my parents. I smile thinking back at the memories. Please take comfort in your memories and know that he will not be alone with the many family and friends waiting to greet him.
My condolences to the family. And my prayers and love for all. Donna Palermo Guido