Lifelong Highland resident Dan Ryan, age 71, died peacefully at his home on Monday December 11th after a long illness. A graduate of St Margaret School and Keith Academy, Dan worked as a bookbinder at the Courier-Citizen and was a proud and active member of his union. He was a member of the Elks Club and Mount Pleasant Golf Club where he participated in golf and card leagues, cribbage being his favorite. He was also an avid fan of girls’ softball, and regaled for many years in playing Santa Claus for charity events.
In addition to his lifelong friends whom he cherished, Dan leaves a brother, Tom Ryan of Farmington, ME, and a sister, Charlotte Ryan of Boston, MA as well as many nephews and nieces.
Dan did not wish for formal services but asked that his friends remember him as they see fit when they come together.
In lieu of flowers, friends may consider donations to the Empower Program at Lowell Alliance, 97 Central St. Lowell, MA 01852, <www.lowellalliance.org>. Dan loved Lowell with all his heart and supported all efforts to prepare Lowell residents to build stronger unified communities.
23 responses to “Dan Ryan of Lowell, MA”
Oh Danny Boy, Our hearts are broken to leave us so suddenly. We always had so much fun at the casinos, and weekly lunches with your “Bestie friend, Tod ODonnell. When Tod had the Traumatic Brain Injury, you came to his side & offered to help him in so many ways: Bringing him to his therapies, visits to Mt Pleasant, & just being such a good friend.
Danny had a big heart, a giver to those in need. For Tod & I, he was like our family!
I’m just so sorry we were not there to say farewell.
For 25 years, Danny was always “giving”,never asking for anything in return! I met him by the water tower when I was 13,& said goodby 60 years later at the same place.Rest in peace my friend.
Dan was a good friend for many years and I miss his dry sense of humor, already. He was a 2 time winner of the annual Fish & Chip Tournament. He was an excellent pool player, golfer and card shark. No one could out eat Dan- no one! He will be missed by his ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out)group (Buck, Jim, Ralph and Joe) and joins past members, Harry Tyne and Frank Georges. Love ya “Big Guy.” BB
It is with a heavy sadness that Dan passed away the other day. Becoming friends late in life, I came to know a wonderful man that had his heart in the right place. His seat at the ROMEO club was an anchor over the several years we met. While my Lowellian friends knew Dan over a life long time, the remembrances shared will stay with me. We can cherish the time we had to share bread and our lives over the decades. RIP SIR!
From our days at Keith to the Lowell y always a wonderful attitude and a great comment RiP Dan
There is a old saying of someone giving their shirt off
there own back Danny was that person. RIP friend
Old friend and co-worker Don Newell
So sorry to hear this news of Danny’s passing.
He was a classmate at St. Margaret’s, and Keith Academy, and one of the nicest gentlemen I have know. Dan was always big hearted, and helpful to many.
Rest in peace old friend. You will be missed.
Just heard the news….Very sad for day for all of us…First met Dan at Keith Academy and we became friends since….always a great story from Dan everytime we met…..He remembered our times at Keith better than anyone…..especially things attributed to the football team ….He loved Mt.Pleasant and all the awesome members……He was involved with every activity there……REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND……GEORGE & DENNIS SCANNELL
Dan, Was a good man who always had a smile and a kind word to share. He like many of the members of Mount Pleasant gave to his community.
Cribbage nights won’t be the same without seeing Dans smile come through the door
The Mount Pleasant Cribbage League will miss Danny. He was very generous to the league, bringing in a 2ib box of chocolates during the Christmas season each year. He embraced his Irish heritage. On St. Patrick’s day, he would provide shamrock decorated cupcakes for everyone. Danny will be missed.
A great guy..very caring and a great listener..had the privilege of playing 45’s with Danny ( a bit of a nickel grabber) but a very good strategic player. RIP Danny..your a good man
Say hi to fingers for me. Hope your plan 45 rest in peace, Danny.
Danny was a good man. Rest in peace my friend.
Oh, Danny Boy. Billie Anne and I were so saddened to hear of your early departure from all of your family and great friends who will be blessed with the memories of your acts of kindness and generosity to those in need.
Having tended bar for over 25 years at the B.P.O.E. Lodge of Elks, I always marveled at the times you volunteered to help those who were down and out. Whether it was the Bingo Committee, the Scholarship Committee, or other acts of volunteerism, you’ll always be remembered as “the big guy with the big heart”.
Please say hello to all of our great friends from Mt. Pleasant who’ve gone before you.
RIP Danny.
Dave and Billie Anne Casey
Rest in peace Danny as long as I’ve known you, you are always a giver, and a helper you had a big heart and you were a hell of a competitor
Condolences to family and friends. Dan was a good man and we enjoyed watching many sporting games together. Rest in Peace, our friend.
Dan was one of a kind always there to lend a helping hand not just a friend but anyone that needed one. He was a good kid and a even better man. RIP my friend
So sad to see my friend Danny Ryan pass. I met Dan long ago at Mt. Pleasant GC when he was a golfing member. He would always arrive to play golf with his Pith hat adorning his head. I told him one time he looked like Ramar of the jungle.(at our age you would remember that series every Saturday morning on the old black and white tv). Dan was the most generous person I have ever known with his time and assistance. From Harry Tyne and Tom Connelly to Tod O’Donnell. Every place these gentlemen needed to go Danny was always there to give them rides. Dan while on this planet enjoyed every day as if it was his last. I’ll miss seeing he and Tod O’Donnell come for a bite on Tuesday after noons at the Mount. RIP my friend
I grew up with Dan in the Highlands, St. Margaret School & Keith Academy. He was a great guy, always had a smile and a kind word. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, Danny.
Dan was a good friend and neighbor growing up on A st in the Highlands. In later years after I moved west he would visit me often in Phoenix and Las Vegas. He was also kind to my mother, visiting her frequently during her days in a nursing home. He would regularly come to Las Vegas for St. Pats and my birthday. One St. Pats day we walked into the piano bar at Harrahs along the Strip where Dan stepped up on the stage in his Irish rugby shirt, told the piano players to stop playing and sang TOO-RA-LOO-RA-LOO-RA to a standing ovation from a packed house. Barb and I will miss his friendship and humor.
What a wonderful man. He use to walk his ederly mother around my nighborhood in the upper highlands.so kind to her and spoke to every one. God bless him. I wish him the best.
A giant with a big heart, rest in peace my friend.
Say hello to our friend Tom Leavitt.
Dan was my “little” brother and l loved him beyond words. Thanks to all the friends and neighbors who have left messages here or on the Lowell Sun obituary page.
It’s comforting that so many from the Currier, Mt Pleasant, Elks, Highlands, Keith and St Margaret remember Dan’s kindness. He could be stubborn–his way or the highway. But he was a straight shooter and never mean. He loved helping other people.
While Dan had been ill, his sudden death was unexpected. Had he been able to say good bye to you individually, know that he would have done so.