SARANAC - The family of Harold John Ryan, 90, of Saranac announces the honoring of a life well lived. Harold peacefully passed at his beloved home on October 30, 2021, surrounded by family.

Harold was born in Saranac, NY on March 31,1931 to Matthew and Mildred (Dubrey) Ryan.  After attending grade school in Saranac, he graduated from St. John's Academy in 1950.

He married Joyce Robinson on November 11,1954 at St. Mary's Church in Champlain, NY.
Following years of working his family's dairy farm, Harold had a thirty-year career with the New York State Department of Corrections.

Harold proudly served his community in many ways.  As a lifelong member of the Saranac Fire Department, he was commissioner for 25 years. In recognition of his dedicated service, he was named Fireman of the Year on three occasions.   He was a member and president of the Saranac Central School Booster Club, a member of the Board of Directors for the Clinton County Cornell Cooperative Extension, a member of the Knights of Columbus and a trustee of AFSCME AFL-CIO Council 82. He served as secretary for AFSCME AFL-CIO Local and treasurer for the AFSCME AFL-CIO Retirees Local Chapter.
Harold was an active member of the Clinton County Democratic Committee. He served as a voting machine technician, setting up and maintaining machines throughout Clinton County. He stayed current with the technology of new voting systems, often being called upon to service machines on Election Day. He served as Sergeant- at -Arms for the Clinton County Legislature as well as an Assessor for the Town of Saranac.
Harold provided for and led his family by demonstrating a strong work ethic while running the family farm and working full-time as a Correction Officer.  As a proud father of eight children, he offered endless energy to support their pursuits.  He was most proud that all eight of his children received college degrees.

Harold's enthusiasm for life was a quality that defined him and endeared him to all he met. He was adept at starting a conversation with family, friends, neighbors and complete strangers.  As a proud father, grandfather and great- grandfather he traveled miles throughout the northeast to follow school, athletic, and family events. He always remarked that the people he met at these gatherings enriched his life.  As technology advanced, Harold became active on social media, communicating with friends, extended family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Harold took great pride in his home and farm at 64 Ganong Drive, a well-known landmark to many, with the doors always open.  The home was full of warmth and hospitality extended to exchange students, NYC Fresh Air Fund children, 4-H sledding parties, town-wide Halloween parties in the barn, and social gatherings after athletic events.  Harold immensely enjoyed that his adult grandchildren and extended family willingly sought his advice and wisdom around the heirloom kitchen table.

Harold is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joyce Robinson Ryan; their eight children Carol (Michael) Priebe, Michael (Joanne) Ryan, Thomas (Maureen) Ryan, Maureen (John) Baringer, Patricia (Peter Brouwer) Ryan-Curry, Elaine (Timothy) O'Neil, Linda (David) Ryder and Kathryn (Barry) Lambert; sister Marilyn (John) McCrank, and sister-in-law Mimi (Gerald) Ryan, fifteen grandchildren - Mitchell Priebe, Michael (Arin)Ryan, Matthew Ryan, Caitlin (Tyler) Finney, Shane (Emily) Ryan, Thomas Ryan, Keegan Ryan, Shannon Ryan, Mallory (Murray)Massry, John E. Baringer III, Logan O'Neil, Bryan Ryder, Kevin Ryder, Kelly Pasko and Ryan Pasko. Eight great- grandchildren - Sutton Ryan, Alden Ryan, Marah Ryan, Mason Ryan, Noah Finney, Eliza Finney, Norman Massry and Aaron Massry. He is also survived by in-laws, Thomas R. Robinson, Beverly (Bernie) Muldoon, and Roger Robinson, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends .

He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Gerald, Matthew and Robert (Noreen) Ryan; sister Dorothy (Francis) Gowett and sister-in-law Nan Ryan.

A special thank you to recent caregivers is extended to; Tim and Elaine O'Neil and hospice nurses  Katie, Terri, Sue, Sr. Mary Ann and the staff of HCR.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street Plattsburgh N.Y.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated Friday November 5, 2021 at 12:00 noon ,St. Joseph's Church, 179 Smith St, Dannemora, NY, with a graveside service to follow in Independence Cemetery, Saranac ,NY.

Family and friends are invited to a reception in celebration of Harold's life at the Saranac Fire Department, 3277 State Rt. 3, Saranac, NY immediately following the graveside service.

Contributions in memory of Harold may be made to Hospice of the North Country or Saranac Fire Department.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.