Obituaries

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Michael T. Ryan

February 4, 1940 - May 16, 2024

Life Legacy

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear father Michael Thomas Ryan of San Lorenzo, California. Michael passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Thursday, May 16, 2024 with his two sons Joseph and James by his side.

Michael, beloved son of Patrick Irving Ryan and Evelyn Louise (Freschauf) Ryan, was born on February 4, 1940 in Lancaster County, Lincoln, Nebraska where he attended Catholic elementary, junior high, and high school. He graduated from Pius X high school in 1958. After two years of college as a geology major, Michael enlisted in the US Army at the age of 21 on January 17, 1962, and completed three years of service on January 15, 1965. His last duty assignment was with the 29th Ord Det (SC), 3rd US Army as grade SP5 and rank E-5.

While in the army, Michael met Sheila Joan Fimreite in Carmel, California. After marrying on July 25, 1962 at All Saints Church in Hayward, California, they eventually had three children, Carmel JoAnn Ryan (deceased May 4, 1973), Joseph Michael Ryan, and James Patrick Ryan. Following his military service, Michael moved to San Lorenzo, California with his family, where he resided in the same home from 1966 until his passing. Upon his move to San Lorenzo, Michael began working for the United States Post Office, where he was treasured and admired by those who had the opportunity to know him.

Michael is survived by his two sons, Joseph Michael Ryan and James Patrick Ryan, and grandchildren: Maggie Elizabeth Ryan, Samuel Patrick Ryan, Josephine Carmel Ryan, Lucas Quinn Ryan, Skyler John Ryan, and Chase Patrick Ryan. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit and the lessons he imparted will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

Funeral services to honor Michael's life and legacy will be held at Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary, located at 267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, CA 94580, on June 17, 2024, at 2 PM. Attendees may arrive after 1 PM to pay their respects and offer condolences to the family. He will be laid to rest with his previously deceased daughter, Carmel JoAnn Ryan, at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at 26320 Mission Blvd. Hayward, CA 94544.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Disabled American Veterans or the American Institute for Cancer Research in Michael's name. These were his favorite charities.

Disabled American Veterans
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Payable to:
DAV – Disabled American Veterans
P.O. Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301

Donate by Phone: 877-647-VETS (8387)

American Institute for Cancer Research
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Contact Us

Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary Inc.

267 E. Lewelling Blvd.
San Lorenzo, CA 94580
Directions
(510) 278-2800

Grissom's Cremation & Burial Centers

9130-B Alcosta Blvd.
San Ramon, CA 94583
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(925) 560-0800

Grissom's Crematory, Inc.

267 E. Lewelling Blvd.
San Lorenzo, CA 94580