Hugh H. Ryan

Born: May 18, 1923; in Chicago, IL

Died: July 25, 2020; in Downers Grove, IL

Dr. Hugh H. Ryan, 97, a 66 year resident of Downers Grove passed away in his home on Saturday, July 25, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 18, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1953, Hugh married Mary Ormsbee in Chicago, Illinois. Mary preceded him in death in 1999.

Hugh served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a Second Lieutenant. Following the war, Hugh attended Northwestern University Dental School and was a dentist in Downers Grove for over 40 years.

Hugh was active for decades in the local Boy Scouts and was an active camper and wilderness backpacker.

Hugh served in many capacities at St. Joseph Church in Downers Grove including head lector, religious education teacher, usher, bell ringer, historian and in 1992 was recognized as St. Joseph Man of the Year. He also served on the liturgical commission. Hugh served as President of the Downers Grove Lions Club, President of the Joliet Diocese Serra Club and served on the advisory board of Bishop Blanchette.

Hugh was the cherished brother of Gerry (Ginny) Ryan, late James (Barbara) Ryan, late Patrick (Liz) Ryan and late Joseph (Barbara) Ryan. He was the loving father of his late infant daughter Mary Ann, Ann (Mark Woodward) Ryan, Hugh Jr. (Diane) Ryan, John (Ruth) Ryan, Martha (Stan) Harnik, Joan (Scott) Ebinger, and the late Thomas (Staci) Ryan. He was the dear grandfather to Megan (Michael) Anderson, Andrew (Dana) Schuster, Sr. Kelly Schuster, Joseph (Leah) Ryan, Liz (Chase) Ganske, Erin Ryan, Martha Ryan, Sean Harnik, Caitlin Ebinger, Patrick Ebinger, Jack Ebinger, Matthew Ebinger, and Grace Ryan. He was the dear great-grandfather to Benjamin Anderson, Lilly Anderson, Paisley Ryan, Sawyer Ryan, Maverick Ryan, and Leo Ganske.

Due to the current Covid-19 gathering regulations, a private family funeral will take place at St. Joseph Church as well as a private interment. A celebration of life will take place at St. Joseph Church at a date to be determined. Please support the Ryan Family by signing the online guestbook and sharing a memory at www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Joseph Parish, 4801 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515 or your local Salvation Army.

Arrangements by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home. For information: 630-968-1000.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Aug. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Hugh Ryan

Sponsored by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Downers Gr.

2 Entries

John Ryan

November 21, 2020

This is John Ryan, Leonard Ryan's son (from the Tom Ryan clan). My condolences to all of your family. The repose of your father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather's soul will certainly be in my prayers. Even if funeral services were restricted I'm very sorry I wasn't aware of Hugh's death back in July.

Hugh has been a cousin I have greatly appreciated back to my young adult years, especially because of his own appreciation of family and family history and his efforts to stay in contact with my dad and many of their cousins.

I've never forgotten a comment Hugh made to me at a party the Tom Ryan family hosted the weekend after we had buried my Uncle Tom, the party having been Tom's one specific request/bequest to his siblings in very simple final arrangements. Hugh and all of your Ryan uncles had been at the wake, the funeral, and the party, even with the funeral on a weekday and despite the fact that some of your younger uncles might not have seen their cousin in decades. Your dad's response to my amazement, "John, that's the way we were raised." Tom lived many years beyond Chicago and his work frequently prevented him from being with the family for big events even if he could be with most of his siblings, nieces, and nephews a day or two beforehand or afterwards.

It was only a couple of years later that Hugh's friend and my wife, Mariceleste's, ob-gyn for a number of years, Dr. Thomas Eckman, learned of our somewhat distant relationship to Hugh and went out of his way to praise Hugh's efforts over many years to be sure that his son with intellectual disabilities was an important part of his Boy Scout troop. Little did I know then that I'd be a Boy Scout leader for 15 or 20 years (although only briefly in the responsible rolls Hugh had for many years), but from beginning to end one of my priorities in Scouting was to make sure any of our Scouts with intellectual disabilities or seriously problematic family situations were welcome and that we worked hard to accommodate them ... and there can be ZERO doubt that concern originated in Dr. Eckman's appreciation of Hugh's efforts for his son.

May the Good Lord reward Hugh richly for his good works in this life!

The Staff of Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan

August 6, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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