Robert
G. “Coach” Ryan, Sr., age 94, of Rome,
passed away peacefully on April 6, 2019.
He was born June 19, 1924, in Binghamton, a
son of the late Robert J. and Florence Adams
Ryan. He graduated from Norwich High School
and earned a Bachelor Degree in Health and
Physical Education from Ithaca College in
1949. He was a well-known teacher and coach
in the Rome City School District for many
years. He also taught at Hamilton College
and Westmoreland schools. Robert was united
in marriage to the former Faith L. Hickey on
June 17, 1950, in Hamilton, NY; she died on
July 7, 1983. He proudly served in the Army
Air Corps during WW II receiving the
European-African-Middle Eastern Medal, Good
Conduct and World War II Victory Medal.
Robert was an avid Rome sports enthusiast.
He was an inductee of the Rome Sports Hall
of Fame, and served on its Board of
Directors for many years.
Robert is survived by his children and
spouses, Terri L. and Gary Colmey of Verona,
JoAnne and Harold Hatch of Rome, Robert G.
Ryan, Jr., of Cape Coral, FL, Ronald R. and
Linda Ryan of Rome, Lori J. and Terry Ramos
of Fort Meyers, FL, Kelly E. and Edward
Seelig of Rome, Beth Meier of Enid, OK,
Bonnie S. and David Fulgium of Enid, Ok,
Michael H. and Gina Ryan of Rome, and Kimmy
J. Ryan and fiancee, Scott Ashley of
Herkimer; 21 grandchildren; 31
great-grandchildren; 4 step
great-grandchildren; his very special
partner of 35 years, Virginia Miller and her
children and their spouses and
grandchildren; brother-in-law and
sister-in-law, Michael and Janice Hickey,
and their children and grandchildren; and
several nieces and nephews. He was
predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Therese
Auricchio Ryan and a granddaughter, Lilly
Ann Ryan.
The funeral service with military honors
will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., at the
Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
Burial will be in Rome Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call at the
funeral home, Tuesday 4 to 7 p.m.
