Charles Arthur “Mickey” Ryan, of Pearl River, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on February 11, 2021, at the age of 86 surrounded by his loving family.
Mickey was born on November 23, 1934 to James & Elsie (Amann) Ryan, in Blauvelt, NY. He grew up on the “Ryan Farm” in Blauvelt, known for the horses and farm stand where his mother would bake and sell fresh pies and homegrown vegetables, and his father would offer horse rides and cocoa to the local kids. He, and his brothers and sisters would ride horses, swim and ice skate all throughout the 40 ft. area. He loved playing with cars in his youth, a favorite memory of his was racing up and down Route 303 with no mufflers on, “You could hear me coming 2 towns over!”.
Mickey first worked at the Community Garage in Pearl River, then with the Pearl River School District, and finally with the Town of Orangetown Highway Dept for 25 years as a mechanic, retiring in 1989. While working at the Community Garage, he would see a girl walking by every day on her way to work and say “one day I’m going to marry that girl”. He did, and June (nee Norman) of Pearl River and Mickey married in 1961, and had 16 years together, raising 2 daughters, before her passing in 1977. He remained in Pearl River the rest of his life.
Mickey served in the Army, Company D 1st Training Regiment at Ft Dix, NJ and Camp Drum, NY from 1957 through 1963.
Mickey was an avid gardener, well known for his perfectly manicured yard, his big red geraniums on his front porch and his hearty 6 ft tall tomato plants, which he would hint with a wink that he “talked to” to make them grow. He was a hard worker all his life and jack of all trades who took pleasure in doing all his own yardwork and the majority of his own home improvements right up until the end, as well as always willing to lend a helping hand painting or repairing something in his daughters’ homes. He took up golf in his 70’s and played many a fine hole with his sons in law right up until this past fall. He was always at the ready for good company, a beer and a laugh. He looked forward to summer weekends spending them with his family at the lake in PA. He consistently humored his family and friends with his “Mickeyisms”, little sayings he either picked up here and there or made up over the years. He was privileged to be able to enjoy his retirement to the fullest for over 30 years.
Mickey is survived by his daughters Karin (Dave Kutka) of Hartsdale, NY and Kristin (Alvin) Kutka of Elmsford, NY; granddaughters Kayla and Katrina Kutka; brother Peter Ryan (Rita) of Blauvelt; sister Patricia (Jack) Mauro of Nanuet; brother-in-law Roger Norman of Ft Wayne, IN; godson George Glazer (Nicole) of Blauvelt; and many nieces and nephews, all who will all miss hanging at Uncle Mick’s for the St. Pattys day parade and the 4th of July. He is predeceased by his wife June, his parents, brothers Timothy and John, sister Jane Glazer, and brother-in-law George Glazer.
“Dear Dad, I’m sad.” But I know you are at peace…. “Wherever you may be, let your wind blow free!”
Visiting is Wednesday from 3:30 to 6:30 PM at Wyman Fisher Funeral Home in Pearl River.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made In Charles’ name to United Hospice Inc., 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956, or online at unitedhospiceinc.org
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