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April 19, 2017

Francis G. Ryan, Jr.

Ryan, Francis G., Jr. “Frank” “Doc” of Norwell, formerly of Hingham, died April 19, 2017.  

Beloved husband of Mary M. (Taylor) Ryan of Norwell.  Loving father of Suzanne Ryan O’Leary and her husband David of Kingston, Francis G. Ryan, III of Hingham, and Shawn P. Ryan and his wife Kristen of CT.  Cherished brother to Grace Miller of FL, Dorothy Bradlee of Hudson, Carol Ryan Brandolini of Wareham, and the late Maureen Dupree.  Devoted “Papa” to Julie, Ryan, Taylor, Frank, Kaylin, Erin, Brendan, and Hailey.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Frank was a devoted husband to his Wife Mary for 53 years and was extremely appreciative of his soul mate who cared for him over the past 13 years after a stroke left him disabled.  He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren as he would always share their accomplishments with others.  He grew up in South Boston and graduated from Weymouth High School in 1958.  He served in the military in both the US Army Reserves and the National Guard.  He worked for New England Telephone/Verizon for 31 years as a Field Technician and was a Shop Steward for the IBEW Local 2222 Union.  In 1969, he was awarded the Theodore N. Vail Medal for Noteworthy Public Service for quick and courageous action after saving a woman from a burning building in Dorchester.  He was very active in youth sports.  He was one of the founders of Hingham Youth Soccer and was a coach in Hingham Youth Baseball.  His favorite sport was hockey.  He served as President for two local youth hockey organizations and was a board member for the Metropolitan Boston Hockey League.  He was a pioneer in the hockey world as he was one of the first people to organize an Elite off-season hockey tournament where the best players in the Northeast, Eastern Canada and even Europe would compete.  He was very proud of the fact that many of the players who participated in the Seaspray Tournament went on to play in the NHL.  Frank was a very generous person who frequently ran fundraisers for those in need.  He will be missed by many family and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Monday 4-8 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Tuesday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham at 10 AM. Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hingham. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Francis may be made to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.