Passing of Life Member Michael Ryan - Smyrna

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

On July 30th, the CHC lost a good friend and member. Life member Michael Ryan passed away at home unexpectedly. Mike was 54 years old. Mike was a 22 year member of the CHC. During his years at the CHC Mike held the office of Historian for 2 years in 1993 & 94, and he was the supply and medical supply officer for 3 years from 1993-95. Mike also won the H. Thomas Tucker Memorial Award for Firefighter of the year in 1994. Mike or as many members remember his by "Meatloaf" was a face you could count on seeing at alarms, fireschools, and meetings. Mike had a huge place in his heart for the fire company and that will surely be missed. Prior to his time with the CHC, Mike also spent a short time serving the Elsmere and Christiana Fire Companies. Mike was also a member of the American Legion Ambulance Service Station 64, where he served a Captain for a few years. The CHC extends its thoughts and prayers out to Mikes widow Norma, and their 4 children. Services are on Sunday, August 4th with the viewing from 1300-1430, and funeral services immediately following. There will be no graveside services. Following services at the funeral home, family and friends may come back to the firehouse for refreshments. CHC members are meeting at 1330, and leaving as a unit at 1345 for the funeral home. Please wear full uniform with mourning bands over your badge. Below is Mike's obituary which was listed in the Delaware State News. Michael Joseph Ryan, of Smyrna, passed away suddenly at his residence on Tuesday July 30, 2013. He was 54. He was born in Wilmington, and moved to Smyrna with his family in the early 1990’s. Mike proudly owned and operated Ryan Lawn Care in Smyrna for many years. He was a former member of the Elsmere and Christiana Fire Companies, as well as the American Legion Post 14 Ambulance Service in Smyrna for many years. He was a life member of Citizens Hose Co., Smyrna, and very active in the company until the time of his passing. Mike also was an avid Philadelphia sports fan. He was preceded in death by two sons, Michael and Shawn Ryan; a sister, Lisa Weitz; and his step-father, Carl S. Weitz. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Norma Ryan; four children, William M. Ryan, of Conowingo, MD; and Matthew J. Ryan, Nicole R. Ryan, and Michelle C. Ryan, all of Smyrna; his mother Shirley Weitz; his father Joe Ryan; a sister, Lori J. Allan, of Lewes; a brother, Chris Weitz, of Millsboro; two grandchildren, Aiden and Chase Ryan; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held 2:30 PM Sunday August 4 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, where friends may call at 1:00 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Citizens Hose Co., PO Box 97, Smyrna, DE 19977. To send a letter of condolence, visit www.matthewsbryson.com Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.

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