William (Bill) Harold Ryan, 79, of Melrose, passed away on September 22, 2023 with his wife of 55 years and his three children by his side.

Bill was born on August 24, 1944, to mother Florence Agnes (Guest) Ryan and father Patrick Joseph Ryan at Melrose Wakefield Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Lawrence, Paul, Patricia, and John. Bill attended St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Melrose High School in 1963. He would then meet his future wife, Breda (Bridget) Mary Ryan in 1968 on a bus ride to New York to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Bill is survived by three children: Terry Kelly and fiancée Edward Reidy, Colleen Ryan Smith and husband James Smith, Patrick Joseph Ryan and wife Debra Ryan, and seven grandchildren: Joseph, Timothy, William, Cara, Aiden, Kailey, and John. Bill is also survived by his sisters in law Delores Ryan (Lawrence Ryan), Donna Ryan (Paul Ryan), and Eileen Tobin (Ring, Waterford, Ireland); brothers in law Nicholas Terry (Ring, Waterford, Ireland) and Eamonn Terry (Ring, Waterford, Ireland) and many nieces and nephews.

Bill had undying love for his wife and unconditional support for all his children. The bonds he formed with each of his grandchildren were unwavering, cheering each of their achievements along the way. His loyalty was displayed in the form of many life-long friendships to many across the greater Boston area. Not only did Bill's presence leave ripple effects across his natural home of Boston, but in his adopted home as well, the one he married into, Ring, Waterford, Ireland.

His family will miss the twinkle of mischief found in Bill's eye when he thought up a new one-liner, his seemingly endless playlist of captivating stories, and his unwavering passion for Boston's professional sports teams, specifically the Bruins, Red Sox and Patriots.

Bill faced it all, he stood tall, and did it his way.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Incarnation, 429 Upham St., Melrose on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 1:00PM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private.

Please omit flowers, donations in his name can be made to the charity of your choice.