Richard F Ryan

Richard F. Ryan, of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2019 in the presence of his loving family.
Richard was born in Pawtucket, RI on July 20, 1929 to the late James Thomas Ryan and Mary (Mullen) Ryan. He was predeceased by his wife of 21 years, Mary E. (Whiting) Ryan. He is survived by his loving companion Ann Bounds, his sister, Joan Shannon (Ryan) Lakey and brother, James Thomas Ryan and his children, Patricia (Ryan) Freve, and her husband Albert Freve of Ft. Myers, FL, Susan Ryan of Middletown, RI, and Richard Ryan and his wife Kathleen (Capuano) Ryan of Harrisville, RI, three grandchildren, Daniel Freve and wife Sara Maaske, Lauren (Freve) Hanson and her husband Kevin, Christina (Ryan) Danue and her husband Jason, two great grandchildren, Alexandra and Samantha Danue and many nieces and nephews.
Richard spent his childhood in Apponaug, RI, and graduated from La Salle Academy in 1947. He loved his studies, enjoyed basketball and played the drums in the La Salle Band. He then went on to Providence College graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. He enlisted in the U.S. Army where he proudly served 4 years during the Korean War era achieving a rank of 2nd Lieutenant. During his time in the Army, he was proud of being elected into the Knights of the Blue Nose for his service north of the Arctic Circle.
He then started his 38-year career with the Upjohn Company while raising his family in Rhode Island. He was very active in the American Diabetes Association (ADA), RI Diabetes Association, Greater Boston Diabetes Association, and ADA New England Affiliate, where he served as past President and Chairman of the Board. He was also appointed as an ADA National Liaison and was on the Membership Committee of the American Diabetes Educators and the Advisory Committee of the Joslin Diabetes Foundation. Dick greatly enjoyed his work and was highly regarded in his profession. He received the William E. Upjohn Award for his outstanding achievements with the Upjohn Company.
In 1992, Dick retired from the Upjohn Company and settled in Naples, Florida, to his permanent residence at the Countryside Golf and Country Club.
His passion was playing tennis and in later years, golf. He enjoyed his morning newspaper and completing his daily crossword puzzle. He could be often found playing Cribbage, and always enjoyed a competitive game of cards. As a devoted New England Patriots and Red Sox fan, he very rarely missed a game. Dick loved to spend time with his family watching sports and listening to a variety of music. The Boston Pops were among his favorite Orchestras.


Long known for his positive attitude and desire to help others, Dick spent time volunteering at the American Diabetes Association, Kent County Hospital, CASA, Guardian ad Litem, and the Avow Hospice Services of Naples. He was a member of the Countryside Golf and Country Club, Naples Lakes, and the Moose Lodge.
A Memorial Celebration will be held at 9:00am-11:00am on Thursday, February 14, at Fuller Funeral Home, 4735 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. An interment will be held at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in memory of Dick, to Avow Hospice of Naples, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 or at avowcares.org.